It’s been widely documented that women were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic compared to men, particularly in the realm of work and staying at work. Often the default caretakers in many families, many have withdrawn from the workforce to help take care of their households, or else found their schedules unexpectedly strained.
A group of women professionals, representing the legal, human resources and employee relations sectors in Central Massachusetts gathered at a WBJ webinar on Tuesday to discuss this particular challenge and how employers might better support their non-male workforce. Although the conversation varied, panelists generally agreed: the key to navigating what has been termed the Shecession is through communication, adjustment and empathy.