Closing the Gender Wage Gap: Lessons Learned from Mothers and the Importance of Supportive Work Environments

In her column discussing the wage gap and how mothers are more likely to receive calls about family issues than fathers, Kara Miller highlights a significant challenge facing employers today. With only 71 workers for every 100 open jobs in the United States, according to the US Chamber of Commerce, it’s clear that employers have a lot to lose by not addressing this issue.

To remain competitive in their industries and attract top talent, employers must invest in career growth and retention strategies. They should also support flexibility and benefits like paid leave and child-care assistance and cultivate an inclusive culture that values caregivers. By learning from the lessons that mothers are teaching us, we can rethink our workplaces so that both employees and employers can thrive.

According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, lack of child care and other caregiving responsibilities is one of the main reasons why adults aged 25 to 54 are not in the workforce. To address this challenge, employers must take inspiration from mothers and create a more supportive work environment for all. Miriam Rubin, co-founder of Listen to Your Mothers, emphasizes the importance of drawing on these lessons to build a better future for ourselves and our children.