Bridging the Gap: Implementing Work–Life Balance Policies for Gender Equality in Italy

This article examines the persistent gap between the formal recognition of work–life balance (WLB) policies and their effective implementation in Italy, within the broader European framework of gender equality. It adopts a multi-level approach that integrates the analysis of EU policy developments—particularly Directive (EU) 2019/1158—with pandemic-related dynamics and organizational practices The study is based on a combined methodology, including policy analysis, recent statistical evidence, and an original empirical dataset on corporate initiatives, focusing on the Code of Corporate Self-Regulation on Maternity. The findings indicate that, despite significant regulatory advances, structural, cultural, and institutional constraints continue to limit the accessibility and uptake of WLB measures in Italy. These shortcomings were further exacerbated during the pandemic, which intensified unpaid care burdens and reinforced traditional gender roles. Company initiatives show uneven levels of engagement and are often driven by organizational capacity rather than a substantive commitment to gender equality. Overall, the study highlights that the effectiveness of WLB policies depends on the interaction between institutional capacity, cultural norms, and governance arrangements. It concludes that bridging the gap between formal rights and everyday practices requires a shift toward integrated strategies based on social investment, coordinated governance, and shared responsibility.