By Stefanie Straub, Global Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, Mars, Incorporated
What comes to mind when you hear the term ‘working mom’? What about ‘working dad’? Is that a term that even resonates? The fact that the term “working mom” exists and “working dad” isn’t a part of the everyday vernacular illustrates the inherent inequity in the workplace.
Our Here to be Heard listening study revealed that to help women achieve their full potential, 79% of women believe we need to end harmful gender stereotypes. And the stereotypes we hold around parenting are no exception. We live in a society where women are seen as the primary caregivers, and that has a profound impact on our personal and professional lives. We know that in the US alone, an estimated one million women are missing from the workforce, compared to pre-pandemic. The data has shown that many of those women left the labor force to take on childcare duties during the pandemic, and have yet to return.
As a leader of a global business, I recognize that this needs to change. We need to ensure that women are supported throughout their parenthood journey, from parental leave through their return to work and as their children grow up.
As a follow up to our Here to be Heard study, we’re hosting conversation series, bringing together diverse groups of people to share their experiences, as well as discuss actions that we can all take to help create meaningful change. Our first conversation around parenthood explores these conversations and looks for solutions. It will take tough conversations, and a lot of action to get there.
For example, it is critical to ensure that men are better allies and encouraged to take parental leave to help balance the load. Men should feel empowered to be seen as equal care givers, so that the responsibility doesn’t fall to women by default.
In the workplace, we need to look at how we can support women beyond parental leave. The pandemic taught us how important flexible working practices are; these should now be fully embedded into our businesses. Hybrid working arrangements should be encouraged for men and women equally.
Personally, I’d love to explore how we can better support families as they raise children, as parents’ and children’s needs change over time. Helping with homework and school projects are a familiar evening ritual in my home. One of our partners in the U.S., Bright Horizons, offers virtual tutoring and camp to help provide support beyond childcare. It’s important for businesses to adapt to those needs and regularly check in to explore how they can support working parents.
It is so important to continue to engage in these conversations around how we can support and empower women in the workplace. Please have a watch and join in on the conversation.
