Women are returning to the U.S. job market in large numbers in response to economic recovery and high demand for workers.
Big Picture: The U.S. is experiencing a significant increase in women reentering the workforce, needed to support its growing economy.
* Women’s participation in the workforce has actually rebounded from the pandemic more swiftly than men’s.
By the Numbers: In May, the share of working-age women between 25 and 54 who are working or looking for work hit 77.6% — an all-time high.
* Among African American women in that age range, more than 80% are in the workforce.
The Aftermath of COVID-19: The pandemic had a massive impact on women leaving their jobs to care for their families.
* Many women have now returned to work following the easing of the pandemic, with some finding remote work provides the flexibility they need.
* Challenges remain, however, including a shortage of childcare workers and the impending expiration of temporary federal subsidies.
Voices from the Workforce: Women who have returned to work report satisfaction beyond the financial benefits.
* Economist Betsey Stevenson attributes the quick return of women to the job market to their long resumes and work experience.
* Sudarshana Sharma, who returned to work as a software engineer, said “I think you should take a chance on more moms” as they have “time-management skills. And multi-tasking.”
This summary was created by an AI system. The use of this summary is subject to our Terms of Service.
Leave a Reply