Vliv změn rodičovského příspěvku a peněžité pomoci v mateřství na návrat rodičů na trh práce v České republice v letech 2014-2024

Thesis examines the impact of changes in parental allowance and maternity benefits on parents’ decisions regarding the timing of their return to the labor market in the Czech Republic between the years 2014 and 2024. The theoretical part of the thesis focuses on the setting of family policy in the Czech Republic, with an emphasis on its goals and instruments. An essential part is the linking of economic theories of the labor market with parenthood and the subsequent identification of the main factors influencing parents' return to the labor market. The practical part of the thesis analyzes changes in parental allowance and maternity benefits and offers a closer look at the development of government spending and the number of recipients of these benefits. Furthermore, the practical part of the thesis examines the employment of parents with a narrower focus on flexible forms of employment. The practical part of the thesis also presents the results of a questionnaire survey aimed at determining the impact of changes in parental allowance, maternity benefits, and other factors on parents’ return to the labor market. The thesis concludes that maternity benefits do not have a significant impact on parents' economic decisions and act more as a protective element of their income. On the other hand, changes in parental benefits have a significant impact on parents' decisions to return to the labor market, especially changes in the amount of benefits which affect the family's financial situation. In contrast, the maximum duration of parental leave has an indirect impact on parents' return to the labor market, as it is accompanied by a sufficient supply of flexible forms of employment and preschool facilities providing childcare services.