What We Lose When We Lose A Woman In The Workforce

Explore the broader workplace and economic impact of women leaving the workforce. The article examines how the loss of female talent can affect organizations through reduced workforce participation, skills, diversity, and leadership representation. Learn why supporting women’s participation and addressing workplace barriers can contribute to stronger organizations and a more inclusive workforce.

Along with several other disappointments that COVID-19 gave us, the reduced female workforce across the globe is setting up a stage for major cultural shifts. Not only that, but the way women lead their lives is transforming dramatically. From major financial decisions to things at the micro-level, the whole ball of wax has gone on a roller-coaster ride since the pandemic arrived.

If you believe the reports, 2.3 million women left their jobs in the US in 2020. Women had a significant share (53%) of the total US job force during the first 12 months of COVID-19. But immediately after that, in April 2021, a trend emerged that 102% of net job gains in that month belonged to men.  

Now, why should we be worrying about She-cession (A term coined by Nicole Mason, CEO of the Institute for Women's Policy Research)? 

We should worry Because it is causing:

Cultural Shifts

Men have always been less accountable than women regarding household chores and childcare. It was immediately before 2020 that we started talking about equal parenting and the rest is history. We could never normalize the culture where both parents share the load at every step, but the ongoing situation will strengthen the notion of women confined to the household.

Economic Imbalance

Talk to any woman of any SES, who had to quit her job to look after the kids, and you will hear similar experiences. Like They had to trim down their paid working hours to help kids with their online classes and household chores. All this resulted in fewer advancement of opportunities, pay scale, and other employee benefits.

Mental Health Issues

Women with a good work-ex, handsome pay scale had to make time for their families. Sudden shifts in their everyday routine from attending meetings and making big decisions for the business to checking on the laundry and groceries, cooking meals, and doing dishes are causing severe mental and emotional issues.

Impact on Lower- Socio-Economic Structures (SES)

Women who were a part of lower-SES or were in the hospitality or service industry may never get back to work. Why? Because even if we build a better childcare infrastructure, they can't afford it. Even if we introduce revised policies for working mothers, they won't get the benefits.

What steps can we take to improve the current situation? A single thoughtful change can bring happiness into millions of lives. Let's have a look at the measures to save the efficient, multi-tasking, competent and wiser workforce

1. The very first requirement is flexible working hours. It will help women manage kids, households, and work better.
2. We need improved childcare facilities for every SES. Why? Because women at every SES deserve to have a career of their choice.
3. Women who take leave for childbirth often feel that they are missing out on something. A Maternity leave policy that ensures a smooth comeback with equal opportunities for women to grow and learn is the need of the hour.

So let's all come together and create a better environment for our female counterparts so that everyone can work, learn, and grow together. To read more articles like this, visit the Cogent Infotech website.