The pandemic has forced millions of women from the workforce, with a recent MetLife survey finding that 1 in 5 women were pushed out of their jobs.
Due to bearing the bulk of childcare and other caregiving responsibilities, women had little choice but to resign from their positions.
However, the survey of 2,000 U.S. workers also showed that 2 in 3 women who were forced out of work have plans to return.
Still, these job seekers will need much more from future employers in order to stay in the workforce, meaning companies must adjust their benefits if they want to retain women.
In fact, 78% of respondents said that they are looking for flexibility from their future or current employer, and 73% said they desired career growth opportunities.
Additionally, the majority of women said it is essential for their future employer to offer incentives such as tailored benefits, upskilling opportunities, and DEI programs in order to truly feel included and supported at work.
MetLife’s report also showed that 8 in 10 women forced from the workforce want to pivot to a STEM job, yet 1 in 3 still said they do not know where to start.
“We need to ensure that women are inspired and empowered to grow their career by addressing what companies can do to support women at this pivotal moment,” said Susan Podlogar, executive vice president and chief human resources officer at MetLife. “With so many women considering a STEM career and 1 in 3 saying they don’t know where to start, employers have both a tremendous opportunity and responsibility to help them forge a path forward.”
