Working corporate mothers are at higher risk of burnout, illness, layoffs and unemployment, according to the latest survey carried out by asset management firm Aneuvia.
The report reveals that working moms are the ‘hardest hit’ by the coronavirus pandemic, with only 18% saying that they feel effective at balancing work and family responsibilities, compared to 77% pre-Covid-19.
The Aneuvia survey Impact of COVID-19 on Corporate Mothers not only sheds light on the plight of working mothers, but offers actionable insights to help C-suite sustain workforce diversity at this turbulent time, said the company. As homeschooling, business closures and work from home becomes the new norm, working mothers are amongst the ‘hardest hit’ by the coronavirus pandemic. The imperative for greater social distancing and sheltering at home has also cut off vital support for working parents, particularly women, who make up nearly two-thirds of the US workforce.
PRIMARY CARETAKERS
Based on a survey of more than 150 corporate mothers, with one or more children under 18 years old, the survey revealed that 81% of the corporate mothers previously working in an office, are now working at home. Additionally, it found that Covid-19 has increased primary care taking responsibilities for corporate mothers by 62% , compared to 5% pre-Covid-19.
Their work has been impacted because the availability of childcare has dropped from 94% to 29%. Around 15% of working mothers are also juggling elderly care duties to provide support to their parents. Shockingly, only 9% report that their partner is sharing childcare responsibilities.
The survey also revealed that working mothers are increasingly becoming concerned for their child’s needs (52%), work-home demands (56%) and loss of income (18%).
SUPPORT SYSTEM
Women typically bear the burden of the home anyway, but the current crisis has increased responsibilities of housework, homeschooling, childcare and eldercare, making it more difficult for them to succeed at their jobs.
“The world is watching how employers treat their employees during this turbulent time,” states Janelle Metzger, Co-Founder and CEO of Aneuvia, an activist investment company focused on C-suite and Board-level gender equity. “Executives have an opportunity to create a support system and provide relentless assistance to help keep and develop women in the workforce, who are now effectively working four jobs.”
So what employers do to support corporate mothers during Covid-19? According to the survey, working moms want:
- Greater flexibility with working hours – such as four-day work weeks (44%)
- Adjusted expectations – such as project timelines (26%)
- Job security – such as pay and benefits (8%)
- Reduced meetings (3%)
Covid-19 poses extenuating circumstances for businesses, communities and individuals, alike. Providing care, flexibility and support for corporate mothers at this time is not only “the right thing to do”, but will have “tangible impact for businesses” in the short-term and long-term, added Aneuvia.
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