Covid-19 has profoundly impacted every aspect of our lives, both professionally and personally. Unexpected disruptions in our daily routines result from the IATF's (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) mandated policies. During the ongoing pandemic, the closing of physical workplaces and shifting to a work-from-home environment became the standard work arrangement. Remote working has become a safe and effective tool for businesses because it allows them to continue working while ensuring productivity and making workers more flexible in their schedules.
According to a Pelta (2021) survey, most women prefer working from home due to the numerous benefits such as spending more time with their families, having a lower daily commute cost, and not being exposed to the virus. However, women who are married and have kids are more prone to experience higher rates of stress and depression due to the additional responsibility of caring for children while facilitating their learning and performing house chores while performing their work tasks. Furthermore, Elanda (2021) mentioned that working from home is much more challenging for women due to domestic labor responsibilities.
Furthermore, a recent study by Cannon et al. (2021) found that domestic violence against women has also significantly increased due to increased social isolation and constant lockdown caused by the pandemic, which creates a more stressful environment, which can lead to violent behavior. Moreover, married women experience unfair treatment from their employers as they do not compensate women as highly as men, even in the high-skills field. The statement was supported by a study conducted by Xiao et al. (2021) on workers' experiences in work-from-home settings.
According to the study's findings, female workers are prone to earn less salary per year than male co-workers. Furthermore, due to a lack of social support, female workers are vulnerable and have an increased prevalence to develop physical and psychological problems in the work-from-home setting. The work industry and the government should enforce strict laws to maintain safety and equality for the opportunity for women.
References:
Cannon, C. E. B., Ferreira, R., Buttell, F., & First, J. (2021). COVID-19, Intimate Partner Violence, and Communication Ecologies. American Behavioral Scientist. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764221992826
Elanda, Y. (2021). The Construction of an Ideal Mother amid the Covid 19 Pandemic: Gender Injustice Experienced by Career Women while Working From Home. HUMANISMA : Journal of Gender Studies, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.30983/humanisme.v5i1.3670
Pelta, R. (2022, January 12). Survey: Men & Women Experience Remote Work Differently. FlexJobs Job Search Tips and Blog. Retrieved February 8, 2022, from https://www.flexjobs.com/blog/post/men-women-experience-remote-work-survey/
Xiao, Y., Becerik-Gerber, B., Lucas, G., & Roll, S. C. (2020). Impacts of Working From Home During COVID-19 Pandemic on Physical and Mental Well-Being of Office Workstation Users. Journal of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1097/jom.0000000000002097