74% of women suffered from employment stress last month
As we head into the second part of our COVID-19 marathon, it’s clear the year is off to a tough start.
Reports of emerging vaccines signal a light at the end of the tunnel – but for now, it’s a case of Keep Calm and Carry On.
The full and comprehensive impact COVID-19 has had on our collective mental health won’t be understood for years to come – however, one report seems to suggest that the pandemic is hurting women more so than men.
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Research from LinkedIn found that female employees are being disproportionately more stressed than their male counterparts by work-related issues.
In fact, 74% of women suffered from employment stress last month – compared to 57% of men.
One theory for this could be linked to the notion that COVID-19 is overtly more damaging to women’s career aspects.
“The pandemic is taking a particularly heavy toll on women and their careers,” added Emily Spaven, editor at LinkedIn.
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“We’ve already seen that women have been more likely to lose their jobs in this recession, which is even more worrying when LinkedIn’s data shows that women have also been less likely to start a new job during the pandemic.
“Our latest data shows women are spending more time than men working out of hours or searching for new roles - often while juggling work with increased family responsibilities. If we’re going to create a fair recovery, we have to recognise the impact the pandemic is having on individuals and offering greater flexibility to women and working parents who are balancing ever-more demanding workloads.”
So, how can HR help rectify the situation?
Well, as always, it begins with frank and open communication.
The focus for all organizations in 2021 should be mental wellbeing – as such, remind your employees of the resources you offer, of counselling services, hotlines and guidance, to help them through these troubling times.
HRD recently spoke to metal health champion Nick Elston, who revealed how HR leaders can jump start their psychological health plans without breaking the bank or taking up too much C-Suite time.
