The pandemic has had a negative impact on women in the workplace — causing them to leave their jobs to take care of at-home responsibilities. As a sense of normalcy returns for the moment, more women are making their way back to the workforce, and companies need to make sure they are supporting their female talent.
The current women’s workplace participation rate in the United States stands at around 57%, the lowest in more than 30 years, which is causing many to fear that the progress women have made in the fight for equality may be on the downturn. Now that many women are heading back into the workforce, it is critical for employers to listen in their hiring and retention efforts.
“One of the most critical perks or policies that employers should be offering to retain top female talent — and working mothers in particular — is flexibility in where and when they work, via hybrid work systems and flexible work schedules,” says Leslie Tarnacki, SVP of Human Resources at WorkForce Software.
Tarnacki adds that it would be detrimental for companies – and the workforce as a whole – if female workers increasingly left.
“It’s critical for business leaders to keep in mind that supporting women brings different perspectives, experiences, and strengths to the table – ultimately helping drive business performance and profitability,” she says.