Half of working women feel extreme stress daily

In late November 2024, a report was published by Gallup that shed light on the increasing levels of stress experienced by working women in the United States. Highlighting that about half of working women reported feeling stressed 'a lot of the day,' the report drew comparisons with men's stress levels, wherein about four in ten men expressed similar feelings of stress. This discrepancy underscores the mounting pressure faced by women, particularly those who juggle the dual responsibilities of work and family life. Among the significant findings, it was noted that working women who are also parents are more inclined than their male counterparts to postpone or decline promotions due to personal or family commitments. Additionally, working mothers are nearly twice as likely to have considered reducing their work hours or leaving their jobs entirely due to childcare issues, revealing the direct impact of familial expectations on their careers. The report indicated that a considerable percentage of women, about 17%, report addressing personal family responsibilities at work multiple times a day, while only 11% of men did the same. Gallup's managing director, Ilana Ron Levey, discussed the findings at a presentation, illustrating how the current workplace culture fails to adequately support women's well-being and ambitions. Despite the push for women's advancement and leadership within organizations, the toll of stress, worry, and burnout continues to resonate. Karen Guggenheim, an advocate for well-being initiatives, emphasized the need for workplaces that foster both personal and professional fulfillment, questioning why individuals should have to choose between being excellent caregivers and thriving professionally. With the upcoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump and discussions around childcare reforms, the report brought to light the ongoing child care crisis in the U.S. In response to high childcare costs—often exceeding rent for some families—Vice President-elect JD Vance suggested that reliance on family members for childcare might be a solution. However, this approach raised concerns about the implications of placing additional responsibilities on family members. The findings in the Gallup report have significant implications for organizational management and public policy approaches tailored toward child care and women's workforce participation. It underscores the necessity for proactive measures to enhance work-life balance within organizations, especially as women constitute nearly half the workforce. Employers can take steps by implementing informed policies and programs that prioritize employee well-being, thereby ensuring workplace engagement and retention while mitigating burnout. As Kristin Barry, director of hiring analytics at Gallup, suggested, ignoring the challenges faced by women in the workforce will impede achieving meaningful goals in gender equality and workplace productivity.