Impact of COVID-19 on Female Retail Workers Diverging
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact on women's careers across seniority levels and various organisation types has been relatively consistent. This is the focus of Shoptalk's new Original Content series, titled "The State of Women Working in Retail."
The series is part of a larger effort to promote gender equality and women's empowerment in the retail industry. The first piece in the series examines the impact of COVID-19 on women working in retail.
Shoptalk analysed 560 women leaders who previously spoke at Shoptalk or Groceryshop and found that approximately one-fourth of them said the pandemic has negatively impacted their careers. On the other hand, 40% reported no impact, while slightly over one-third said the pandemic has had a positive impact on their careers.
The drivers of negative impacts on women's careers tend to be severe, quantitative impacts such as having their compensation cut, their workload significantly increased, or losing their jobs. Conversely, the drivers of positive impacts on women's careers tend to be attitudinal responses such as being challenged in new ways.
The survey of 330+ women in the Shoptalk community also shows that women with children or other dependents did not report a dramatically different career impact than those without kids, but they did identify distinct challenges related to caregiving.
An overwhelming 84% of women across all seniority levels consider mentors or champions to be either "important" or "very important" to their careers. In line with this, 36% of Shoptalk's survey respondents have made themselves a resource for other women in the workplace. Remarkably, 47% of women VP-level and higher have done the same.
Notable women who spoke at Shoptalk or Groceryshop in recent years and changed their careers in 2020 include Mary Ellen Coe (CEO of Walgreens Boots Alliance), Kendra Craft (CMO at Mollieβs Pantry), and Lizzie Hall (Founder of ShopTalk Studio).
The rate of job moves in the Shoptalk community has significantly reduced in 2020 due to pandemic-induced economic uncertainty, workforce contraction, and a desire for job security. However, two-thirds of Shoptalk's survey respondents are doing more to address challenges faced by women in the workplace due to COVID-19.
The series explores four phases: Where We Are, How We Got Here, How We're Making Waves, and Where We're Headed. Shoptalk Meetup for Women is a platform where women can come together to do business, share ideas, and champion others. It's a place where attendees can learn more about the state of women working in retail and get a ticket to the event here.
Shoptalk Meetup for Women is more than just an event; it's a community where women can support each other and drive positive change in the retail industry. Let's continue to empower women in retail and create a more equal and inclusive future.
