COVID-19 Could Push Many Mothers Out of the Workforce

Research in McKinsey & Company’s Report “Women in the Workplace: The Impact of Covid-19” showed that during the pandemic, women, particularly mothers, are doing “double shift” work. They are taking care of the household as well as working full-time. Mothers are three times as likely as fathers to be responsible for most of the housework and caregiving during the pandemic. In fact, they are 1.5 times more likely than fathers to be spend an additional three or more hours a day on housework and childcare.

The challenges for single mothers who do not live with a spouse are even greater. Compared to other parents, single mothers are more likely to do all the housework and childcare in the household. They are also more likely to be concerned about financial insecurity during the pandemic.

Not surprisingly, many mothers, versus fathers, are considering changes in their careers. Specifically, one in three mothers have considered either leaving the workforce completely or downshifting their careers because of Covid-19. The primary reason cited for downshifting or leaving has been childcare responsibilities.