This study examines how different employee groups—parents, those aspiring to have children, and those who choose to remain childfree—perceive equity in relation to work-life balance, career progression, and perceived organizational support (POS). Guided by equity theory and utilizing Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), the research uncovers significant disparities. Employees who are childfree by choice often perceive inequities, feeling that career advancement opportunities and organizational support predominantly favor parents. Conversely, those aspiring to have children express concerns about insufficient policies to balance future family and career demands. Parents acknowledge the organizational support they receive but highlight challenges in balancing family responsibilities with career progression. These findings challenge the assumption that childfree employees uniformly benefit from workplace policies, underscoring the need for more inclusive approaches. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting how equity perceptions are shaped not only by current family status but also by future aspirations, advocating for policies that address the diverse needs of all employees.
