Final answer:
Women generally value benefits like flexible work hours and parental leave more than men, as these help accommodate responsibilities like child care and contribute to a better work-life balance, thus supporting their continued career growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks about benefits or perks that women usually value more than men within the context of the workplace. The answer to this is option (b) Flexible work hours and parental leave. Historically, women have faced unique challenges in the workforce, particularly related to pregnancy and child care. This has shaped the benefits they tend to value, which often support a better work-life balance.
For instance, in the 1960s, women sought safeguards against termination for life events such as marriage and childbirth, which points to the high value they placed on job security related to family responsibilities. Furthermore, women who are mothers, especially those who are single, divorced, or widowed, tend to experience a larger gender pay gap due to taking time off or working reduced schedules to manage household responsibilities. This can result in lower average wages and job experience compared to men, or women without such responsibilities. Therefore, benefits like flexible work hours and parental leave can help mitigate the impact on their career growth and earnings.