There is still much uncertainty about the future of school openings across the country. Whether your workers have school-aged children or toddlers, they may not have options for schooling and childcare. In one survey of 1,000 working mothers conducted earlier this month, 70% say they would consider leaving their job if it was financially feasible. In another survey, 27% of working parents say they plan to leave the workforce because of the pandemic’s strain.
There are some steps you can take to keep good workers and make their lives less stressful:
- Understand what it will take to keep workers on the job and focus on solutions that will support employees in these areas.
- Practice compassion. Try to understand the pressures for working moms and look for ways to support them. Give them an opportunity to talk about their childcare issues and challenges.
- Be bold and creative. Consider innovations such as expanding paid time off, offering onsite childcare, and providing virtual day or after-school camps.
- Undertake structural work shifts such as four-day work weeks, particularly until a coronavirus vaccine becomes available.
- Prioritize efforts to reflect on how you can accelerate a remote workforce.
