Human Resource Executive: what can employers do to stop the she-cession?

Female participation in the labor force has gone backwards since the emergence of COVID-19. It’s easy to understand why, as many chose to put their family’s health and safety first. Millions left the workforce to take care of their children, provide homeschooling and look after aging parents. Others lost their jobs as lockdowns swept the globe.

This is the reality that was shared by Rebecca Henderson, CEO, global business, and executive board member of Randstad, during her opening address at the Women in HR Technology Summit. “Things were moving in the right direction [before the pandemic],” she said. “Women taking a pause means a much longer time to re-entry. Getting back to where we were is quite difficult.”

Henderson advised employers to double down on job training, upskilling and mentorship. Particularly for women who are moving into new roles that offer greater flexibility and better work/life balance. She also urged lawmakers to do their part in bolstering the Child Care Tax Credit and Paid Family Leave Act. “If we don’t take this up, we will go backwards in society,” Henderson told her audience. 

Get more highlights from her keynote session and see how your company can improve the workplace for women with these diversity and inclusion insights.