Number of women in the workforce hits post-pandemic high

Women’s participation in the workforce is on the rise again after dropping significantly during the pandemic.

What you already know: Women’s participation in the labor force is improving, climbing back to its high just before the pandemic. In the April jobs report released on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 57.7% of women over 16 years old are employed, just under the 58% that was the high in February 2020. While this is still significantly lower than men, whose rate has hovered around 68% for a while, it’s growing steadily.

Why? Many studies show that flexible work situations have made it easier for women to get and keep jobs despite pressures to handle more domestic work than their male counterparts. In a recent McKinsey study, one in five women said flexibility allowed them to stay in their jobs or avoid reducing their hours.

What it means: As more women remain in the workforce, they’re more likely to receive promotions. That same McKinsey study found that women are significantly more ambitious post-pandemic than they were before, likely because flexible work environments make it easier for them to balance the realities of daily life. That could eventually change the make up of the C-suite, which has been stuck at around 25% women for more than a decade.

What happens now: Despite the progress, a recent Deloitte study suggests women worry that taking advantage of flexible schedules will reduce the likelihood they’ll be promoted.

Actionable insights for leaders: Employers should highlight examples of leaders who utilize flexible schedules. I recall talking to the managing partner of a law firm years ago who, just after she was promoted, told the team she couldn’t take any meetings after 4:30 p.m. because she had to pick up her son from daycare. That gave the rest of the team permission to do the same. When I was editor of a newspaper, I used to go to the gym during lunch on press day just to show the team that it was OK to step away during our busiest day for some self-care. After a while, others started to join me or take breaks for a walk. Visible leadership matters and your team is watching you closer than you think.