New data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveals a noteworthy uptick in the percentage of women in the San Francisco metro area who recently gave birth and remain active in the workforce. However, this increase has not been consistently linear.
Why It Matters:
The transition to motherhood frequently results in temporary exits from the labor force for women. This phenomenon can impede their career progression, reduce earnings, and contribute to the pervasive gender pay gap.
By the Numbers:
According to the most recent American Community Survey, nearly 72% of women in the San Francisco metro area who gave birth in the past 12 months were still part of the workforce in 2022. This marks an increase from approximately 70% in 2021 and nearly 64% in 2010.
Zooming In:
Despite the tech industry’s reputation for offering superior employee benefits, motherhood has traditionally posed a substantial obstacle to career advancement. A 2017 analysis published in the Frontiers in Psychology journal indicated that many women in engineering fields opt to leave their profession entirely after having children due to demanding workloads and travel expectations.
In 2016, research organization Joint Venture Silicon Valley observed the Bay Area’s birthrate reaching its lowest point since the 1980s. In 2013, former Facebook executive Sheryl Sandberg co-authored “Lean In,” a book aimed at empowering mothers while urging companies to address issues such as stigma, sexism, and inflexible workplace policies.
Women employed in lower-paying industries face even greater challenges. Approximately 4 in 10 low-wage workers in California are the primary breadwinners for their families, as highlighted by the UC Berkeley Labor Center.
The Broader Context:
Nationally, the percentage of women who recently gave birth and continued to participate in the workforce reached a more than decade-long high last year. In 2022, 66.6% of U.S. women who had given birth in the previous 12 months were part of the labor force, a slight increase from 66.5% in 2021 and a significant rise from 61.6% in 2010.
Underlying Factors:
Remote work and flexible schedules have made it possible, though not necessarily easier, for women to balance parenthood and careers.
It’s worth noting that the cost of childcare has surged, primarily due to supply shortages and low wages for caregivers. As childcare becomes more expensive, many families are confronted with the challenging decision of whether both parents should work or if one should stay home to care for the children. Often, it’s mothers who opt to stay home, given their typically lower earnings.
Crucial federal funding for childcare centers, which proved vital during the pandemic, is set to diminish, exacerbating the affordability crisis.
What’s on the Horizon:
The question now is whether this trend will persist in the post-pandemic era. Some employers are attempting to recall workers to the office, but they are encountering mixed results. Many employees are embracing a lifestyle that offers greater flexibility, whether for raising a family, pursuing personal interests, or avoiding stressful commutes.
