In the fall, WIW predicted that 1 in 4 women might leave the workforce or take a step back in their careers—and that we were at a crossroads. We’ve since seen significant women in fact leaving. Does the research and report give us any indication on what is happening?
Jess: Last year was the first year in our 6 years of this research that we saw women tell us they were considering taking a step back or stepping out at higher rates than men. It was a big red flag for us, and I think the facts since have unfortunately started to support what we were worried would happen. Our research tells us that unless we are able to help address some of these challenges that women face more than men, the women considering taking a step back or out are likely going to do so. Companies need to act now if they want to avoid losing progress they have made on recruiting and retaining women.
Anecdotally, what have you been hearing from clients on how women are faring in the workplace right now? Are there helpful practices that you’ve seen?
Jess: What we’ve heard has been very consistent with what the data in our report showed: Women are having a hard time. In particular, mothers are having a hard time juggling additional housework and childcare responsibilities, senior level women are feeling extremely overstretched, and Black women continue to struggle with feeling comfortable bringing their whole selves into the workplace. Eight months later, we are actually seeing even more employees cite burnout as the numbers one challenge. We’ve seen companies really double down on trying to help address these issues—offering additional paid leave days, mandating company-wide days off, and trying to offer more mental health resources.
What are some of the questions and topics you’re keen to raise with companies for the report this year?
Jess: I think we, like everyone else, are staying tuned to see what some of the impacts of COVID-19 have been, and how companies are thinking about not only the pandemic’s impact on diversity, but also the impact of the return to work–whatever that looks like for them–on diversity. It will be fascinating to see how companies are considering whether or not they are taking into account what this new workplace might look like for women.
You’re recruiting right now. What would you say to companies who are thinking about signing up?
Jess: I’ll leave this one for Ishanaa since it’s squarely in her wheelhouse.