Gaps, challenges remain

A 2023 survey by the All-China Women's Federation found that 82.7 percent of full-time mothers hope to return to work, with nearly half favoring part-time or flexible job options.

Today, parent-friendly job zones are a regular feature at recruitment fairs in China. While many roles remain labor-intensive, such as cleaning, catering or customer service, more diverse opportunities are emerging, including remote marketing, livestream hosting and early childhood education assistance.

Yueyue (pseudonym), a mother of a toddler, works part-time as an audiobook host for the Shanghai-based digital reading platform Fanshu App. From a two-square-meter corner of her apartment, she records 10 to 15 hours weekly between naps and meal prep.

Her employer now designates part-time audiobook hosts and social media operators as "Parent-friendly Posts," offering flexible shifts, work-from-home options, and even child-accompanied office hours during school breaks.

"Our policies help us attract and retain talented caregivers," said Liu Yi, head of Fanshu's women's federation, adding that top audiobook hosts of the platform earn around 200,000 yuan annually.

Still, gaps remain. For highly skilled professionals who have taken years off for childcare, reentry into the workforce can be tough.