There are growing concerns that covid has the potential to put back progress in gender equality.
Ibec's research shows almost half of firms surveyed say more women than men had asked for changes to their work patterns to allow for caring.
It reveals a fifth of companies have noticed a change in the position of women in their organisations over the past 12 months.
Ibec Head of Social Policy, Kara McGann says the pandemic has had a negative impact on working women.
"Almost half of respondents said that more women than men were discussing childcare difficulties that they faced, and as a result were seeking changes to their working patterns.
"Over a third said that more women were talking about work/life balance, over a third said more women requested parental leave, and more women requested unpaid leave - all of which was to facilitate childcare responsibilities."
