Few groups have been impacted more by the pandemic than working moms. Many were faced with the responsibility of assuming childcare as schools shifted to remote learning in the face of lockdowns. This transition left women struggling to balance the pressures of both work and home, leading many to burnout. While the pandemic did exacerbate existing unbalance in the working lives of moms, it has also started a conversation of how companies can provide a more supportive environment that helps working moms achieve balance in both their home and work life.
The Pandemic’s Impact on Working Moms
There has been a significant change in the number of women in our labor force during the pandemic, in fact, it’s the lowest it has been in 30 years. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that unemployment for women increased 2.9% more than men’s. In a survey conducted by Indeed, 29% of women reduced their working hours during COVID, and another 9% left the labor force entirely. Those that didn’t leave the workforce completely cut back on the amount of hours they were working. In a similar survey conducted by Visier, 42% of women with children stated they had considered leaving the workforce completely.
Some of the challenges working moms face in the workplace aren’t always visible to their peers. Oftentimes these women end their workdays to begin what sociologists refer to as the “second shift” of family and home responsibilities. Visier’s study revealed that 70% of full-time working women take on the majority (or all) of the caregiving responsibilities in their household. Studies have shown that caregivers spend an average of 24 hours each week taking care of their loved ones, as much as an additional part-time job. With such strenuous schedules and competing priorities, many working moms have experienced an increase in burnout and a negative effect on their careers.
How Employers Can Lend Support
While there is little that can be done to limit the stress of managing home life and childcare throughout the pandemic, there are ways employers can provide support for moms in the workplace.
Have a Conversation
Leaders should start by learning and understanding the needs of their team. By developing a knowledge of their workforce and building individual connections with their team members, they will have a holistic view of where support is needed and how it might be achieved. Similarly, checking in on team members regularly to get a feel for who may need support and who might have capacity to lend support is a great way to open up conversations to empower working moms to share their struggles and needs.
Cultivate A Flexible, Empathetic Culture
Fostering a working culture in which team members feel comfortable sharing struggles, and working together to find solutions can provide opportunities for working moms to seek support when needed. Additionally, providing the flexibility to work remotely or rearrange daily schedules as needed can provide much-needed relief for working moms to prioritize and find success in both their work and home life.
Provide Resources for Working Moms
From female leader mentorships to support groups, many companies are looking to provide avenues for working moms to receive emotional support from like minded peers. Additionally, companies are looking for new ways to provide better accommodations for mothers in the workforce, including private nursing rooms at the office, reduced daycare fees, and increased PTO opportunities.
With 46.6% of the US labor force consisting of women, it’s no surprise that corporations are looking for more meaningful ways to support working moms and families. As we gather to honor the mothers and maternal influences in our lives this weekend, let us also celebrate the contributions of working moms and the organizations that value and support them.
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