Women’s Transitions during Covid-19

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research recently released an analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment data for April 2020. Women’s unemployment rate was at 16.2%, while men’s was at 13.5%. With this nearly 3% higher unemployment rate, women are being hit harder during this downturn primarily because of the large number employed in the travel, health, leisure and education sectors. 

Nicole Mason, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute for Women’s Policy Research is calling this time a ‘shecession’ because of the disproportionate impact.

A colleague recently disclosed to us that his company let go 15% of their workforce because of the pandemic. Every position eliminated was held by a woman, even though these women had been at the company longer and had more experience than many of their male counterparts. In each case, there were specific reasons for why each woman was chosen for being let go. However, it was hard to shake the notion that underneath it all, a sentiment exists that women’s careers are secondary or supplementary to men’s in most households. 

Research by the Center for American Progress confirms this notion. While women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, there is still a deep unconscious belief that women’s earnings are not central to their families’ economic security. 

At the same time, 2017 statistics from the U.S. reveal that 41% of mothers were the sole or primary breadwinners for their families, while an additional 23% contributed 25% of the total household earnings. And in Australia, research conducted by Roy Morgan highlights a critical milestone that has been met with 52% of women now being the primary breadwinners in their households. We can no longer deny that women’s careers are critical to the well-being of their households and the stability of the economy.

Knowing that women workers are taking a disproportionate hit during this pandemic contributes to the challenges inherent in a career or personal transition.

If you are going through such changes, it is more important than ever to develop support networks and to be of support to others. At the same time, cultivating personal resilience and an innovative mindset will help you discover potential opportunities during these challenging times. 

We’ll close by sharing insights Thomas Friedman, New York Times columnist, writes about in his book, That Used to Be Us: How America Fell Behind in the World It Created and How We Can Come Back. While the book was first published a decade ago, his thoughts resonate today.

Friedman discusses three perspectives to help shift thinking while navigating a challenging economic climate. First, he suggests thinking like an immigrant. For centuries immigrants have come to this country, leaving behind former occupations and finding new ways to earn a living. They’ve had to spot needs in the market and create a niche for themselves by fulfilling these needs. Where do you see opportunities? How can you think like an immigrant?

Second, he suggests thinking like an artisan. In earlier times, the saddle makers, cobblers and glassmakers earned their living by demonstrating excellence. They were rewarded by quality, dependability, and reputation.Where do you demonstrate excellence? How can you think like an artisan? 

Third, he relays a story of eating breakfast at the International House of Pancakes. He’d ordered waffles with strawberries on top. The waitress whispered the question,  “Would you like an extra scoop of strawberries on top?” He responded, “Yes!” and in return gave her an extra tip. This waitress had identified what she had control over to impact her situation – the strawberry ladle – and then acted upon it. What do you have control over? How can you think like an IHOP waitress?

Sitting in different perspectives can stimulate innovative thinking as you consider options for your next chapter. If you have a perspective or story to share about your transition experience, we’d love to include it in our research. To learn more about this international study Retreat Reinvent Recharge is conducting, click here.

We wish you the best for your personal and professional transition during this profound time of global transformation.

Warmest regards, 

Annette & Maureen