Föräldraledighetens påverkan på kvinnliga fastighetsmäklares karriärutveckling

Sammanfattning

This study aims to examines how maternity leave affects the career development of female real estate agents and how industry-specific conditions shape these experiences. The topic is relevant because the real estate industry is characterized by high competition, commission-based pay, and expectations of constant availability, which may intensify the consequences of a longer career interruption such as maternity leave. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding how these conditions affect the career development of female real estate agents. The study is based on a qualitative approach and consists of semi-structured interviews with seven female real estate agents working in different parts of Sweden. The results show that maternity leave is perceived as a break from work that affects income, reduces client contact, and decreases marker visibility. Upon returning to work after maternity leave, the respondents describe a “re-entry phase” in which rebuilding their client base and market position takes time. At the same time, the profession is perceived as flexible, however, this flexibility is conditional in practice and largely depends on the individual's own adaptations and strategies. The commission-based salary system, combined with norms of constant availability, contributes to structural and financial uncertainty during longer periods of absence from the profession. In conclusion, the results show that commission-based salaries and expectations of availability play a significant role in how female real estate agents experience maternity leave and their ability to return to work. The study contributes to an increased understanding of how maternity leave affects the career development of female real estate agents, as well as which factors within the industry may facilitate or hinder this development.