This Mother's Day

Life has been hard for everyone during this pandemic—2020 was an unprecedented year for several of us. And for some countries, 2021 continues to be like 2020. Millions of women across the world have been affected by job losses. Coronavirus has led moms to focus more on being caregivers, teachers, focusing on home chores and being the earners at the same time. It is a reminder that several moms around the world had to make a tough choice between their career ambitions and aspirations and being at home to take care of their families. Here are some true facts around the world:

? According to CNN, business globally women lost at least $800 billion in income last year, which is the combined GDP of 98 countries, the $700 billion market cap Amazon had in 2020 and the $721 billion that the US government spent last year on the world’s largest defense budget.

? Almost 35% of working mothers are considering downshifting their careers or leaving their jobs altogether. The situation was tough prior to the pandemic and now it is getting worse.

? Mental health has taken a huge hit across all genders. According to the survey done by McKinsey, mothers have been hit almost 75% and fathers 69% while struggling with mental health concerns. Remote working during this time has negatively affected the mental well-being of mothers than fathers.

? Concept of ‘Double Shift’. I would say it is a quadruple shift for several women who even have full support from their spouses. In addition to their own work and trying to be successful, there is so much that needs to be done- homeschooling, cooking, cleaning, childcare, elderly care. I would also call out the positive note for working couples. Couples have been able to learn the pain and respect each other’s schedule and value their efforts. Single moms have faced tremendous challenges, spending far more hours to balance their lives, earning for their families, and taking care of everything else.

? The boundaries between home care and work have been blurred. Almost a quarter of moms said (based on McKinsey’s research) that they are worried about their work performance and are being judged negatively because of them being focused on both. Some companies are trying hard to help, but the reality is at times messages can be implicit and all depend on work culture.

? Not to mention women of color. During the pandemic, the job losses disproportionately affected minorities. Black and Hispanic workers faced 1.6 to 2.0 times the unemployment rates of their white counterparts.

? Pre-pandemic, working moms were already juggling household and workplace duties, but today they are having challenges navigating paid work

On this Mother’s Day, what can you do differently for all the amazing moms there?

For Companies:

? Please do not assume that we cannot perform and balance. Do not do ‘mom tracking’. Women are equally capable, willing to invest and rise in the path of leadership.

? Adjust the hiring process: Look at what they bring on the table and ask them what they learned during this pandemic, rather than asking them ‘why there is a gap in your resume?’ Remove biases in the hiring process

? Implement returnships: Some companies are doing more than others where they are creating programs to help women reenter the workforce. Put them back on the growth trajectory.

? OnRamp programs: Create the framework that allows mothers to adjust as they decide to return to work, build new skills. Create formal mentorship programs within your company. I am fortunate to work for a company that supports these programs and have been able to be a part of this journey.

? Flexibility: If nothing else, companies have learned that people, while working remotely, have delivered much more. There is a need for greater work-life flexibility for both women and men to effectively balance the quality of family time and work deliverables.

For individuals:

? We all can play our part. Create a safe space to share and learn and support each other. We are all in this together and the more we lean on each other, the stronger we become.

? Learn the pain, respect, and share each other’s responsibilities. No responsibility has been designated by any gender. All chores are equal.

? For moms out there, manage your expectations and avoid trying to be a perfectionist. No one is perfect and it's ok to fail.

? Focus on self-care: love, lead and be yourself.

? Create your routines that can keep you balanced.

? If you are fortunate enough, go ahead and mentor someone who is in need, help them grow through your experiences. There is no better reward than creating a positive impact in their lives. Make this world a better place for all.

? Some of us are not fortunate enough to be with our moms, either due to distances or losses. Remember them, virtually hug them. Someone has said it right: “Mothers hold their children’s hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.”

My thoughts on this Mother’s Day: My mother is my root, my foundation. She has planted the seed that I base my life on. She always tells me to be independent, never shy from asking and focus on self-care.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms, grandmoms, future moms out there. You deserve it!