How to Retain Women as You Transition Back to the Office

 
Thu 10 June 2021

How to Retain Women as You Transition Back to the Office

Pandemic-related job and income losses have been much higher for women than men around the globe. As a business leader, it's important that you act now to address this disparity and retain women in your organization, especially as you consider return-to-office policies.
(1) First, prioritize flexible work arrangements. It’s important to evaluate employees based on outcomes, not on their presence in the office from nine to five.
(2) Also foster a culture that acknowledges the role of parents, so they don’t feel the need to hide their childcare responsibilities. You may even consider offering some parental perks, such as kid-friendly virtual events, extra mental health or childcare days, and employee resource groups for people with kids at home.
(3) Most importantly, engage women in conversation about these new policies and initiatives. Listen, then, take care to design protocols and policies that address their needs.

This tip is adapted from “To Retain Women, U.S. Companies Need Better Childcare Policies,” by Deborah Schroeder-Saulnier