Continuing Challenges for Women in the Workforce

A striking trend in the post-pandemic era is the "great breakup" — a mass departure of women leaders from corporate America at an unprecedented rate. McKinsey's 2022 Women in the Workplace report revealed that the gap between the number of women and men who left corporate roles was the widest on record. Many women are not leaving the workforce entirely but are seeking environments that align better with their ambitions and needs, whether through industry changes, more flexible roles, or entrepreneurship.

Although the gender pay gap in the U.S. has slightly narrowed over the past 20 years, with women earning 85 cents to every dollar for men in 2024 versus 81 cents in 2003, global disparities remain vast. A 2024 World Bank report highlights a significantly broader gender gap, finding that women globally have fewer than two-thirds of the legal rights men do when accounting for violence protections, childcare policies, and economic opportunity. No country has achieved full gender equality in the workforce.

The 2024 Women in the Workplace report reveals a recurring issue: women around the globe continue to face significant mental and physical health challenges, worsened by high stress levels and long working hours. While workplace flexibility and hybrid models have improved, many women still feel excluded and undervalued, fueling ongoing mental health concerns and workplace dissatisfaction. Planners should be aware of the potential impacts of these global trends on local economies and community well-being.