New data bears out one reason behind the work force shortage, particularly in low-wage positions: While men are entering the work force in large numbers, women aren’t: From February 2020 to January 2022:
- Male workers regained all the jobs they lost due to the pandemic.
- Over a million women left the labor force during that time, accounting for 63% of all jobs lost.
- Women gained 188,000 jobs this January, but they are still short by more than 1.8 million jobs lost.
- Millions of women left their jobs to provide child care during the pandemic. However, this is part of a broader trend, as in 2020 1 in 4 women said they were considering leaving the workforce or downshifting their career.
- Many women in low-wage jobs decided the challenge of juggling work and family wasn’t worth the poor pay.
- In January, 3.6% of all women were without jobs. However, these numbers were nearly double for women of color.
To attract women back to the work force, employers will need to consider offering flexible schedules, more opportunities for remote or hybrid work, and child and/or elder care benefits.
