Unsolved, but no mystery

First, let's zoom out a bit further to better understand how family and caretaking needs affect business. We all know it's a challenge to juggle work both in a professional environment and at home, and data continues to show that this dilemma still disproportionately effects women—creating an imbalance in the workforce:

According to the World Economic Forum, men spend one third as much time on unpaid caregiving work as women do.
The pandemic's aftermath left mothers with a greater reduction in working hours, higher unemployment, and less labour-force participation.
McKinsey found that 45% of mothers of children five and under who left the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic cited childcare as a major reason, vs. just 14% of fathers.
Studies have linked 80% of the ongoing gender pay gap to a "motherhood penalty."

This can pose challenges for businesses in terms of reputational risk, lost productivity, and untapped talent—which all can directly affect the bottom line. But this can also become a significant opportunity for growth and differentiation, since better supporting employees with family responsibilities can simultaneously help move the needle for both gender equality and company performance.

Instant Insights /

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