Despite impressive progress over the last few decades, women still experience significant setbacks in the workplace. Even with the pay gap at a historic low, women still earn less than men in nearly all occupations, while being overrepresented in low-wage jobs. Women also carry the additional burden of unpaid caregiving labor: Twice as many women are sacrificing career opportunities on account of child care responsibilities compared to their male counterparts.
Facing economic strain and social opposition, many companies are turning their sights from issues of gender equality in the workplace in favor of focusing on productivity. But these two issues are deeply interrelated, and in order to maximize productivity, business leaders must reduce the barriers that keep women from bringing their best to the workplace. This is especially crucial at organizations employing hourly workers, where women are already more likely to work in lower-paying positions.
