Publications
Publications
- May 5, 2020
- Harvard Business Review Digital Articles
Why the Crisis Is Putting Companies at Risk of Losing Female Talent
By: Colleen Ammerman and Boris Groysberg
Abstract
There has been a massive shift in how work gets done inside many companies and the global pivot to working remotely will likely change how many think about face time and rigid work schedules. Might these changes benefit women? The authors argue that will depend on how leaders handle the crisis in relation to their female talent and they suggest four things every executive should do. First, pay extra mind to the biases against mothers and how having their motherhood on display right now (think kid crying in the background on a videoconference) might invoke those biases. Second, pare down the pressure, especially on caregivers who have many demands on their time right now. Third, make sure your virtual meetings are run equitably and women’s contributions aren’t glided over. Last, keep virtual gatherings inclusive so that women are not excluded from networking opportunities.
Keywords
Coronavirus Pandemic; Remote Work; Flexible Work Arrangements; Health Pandemics; Employees; Working Conditions; Gender
Citation
Ammerman, Colleen, and Boris Groysberg. "Why the Crisis Is Putting Companies at Risk of Losing Female Talent." Harvard Business Review Digital Articles (May 5, 2020).