1 in 4 women are weighing a career ‘downshift’ during the COVID-19 pandemic
Workplace wellness pros have their work cut out for them offering services and support to female employees facing a unique set of challenges, a new report from McKinsey indicates.
There have been some gains made on closing the gender gap in corporate America—but all that progress now is threatened by COVID-19.
Nearly two million women are considering leaving the workforce completely and one in four are mulling a “downshift” in their careers according to McKinsey’s “Women in the Workplace 2020” report. Years of progress could be wiped out unless organizations move proactively—and that action must include wellness programs.
“In a year marked by crisis and uncertainty, corporate America is at a crossroads,” the report states. “The choices companies make today will have consequences on gender equality for decades to come.”
The report, in its sixth year, tracks the progress of women in corporate America and was conducted in partnership with LeanIn.Org. The data reflects contributions from 317 companies and more than 40,000 people surveyed on their workplace experiences. More than 45 in-depth interviews were also conducted. The survey was in the field from June to August of 2020.
The crisis hits women hard
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