The pandemic has radically changed the work culture across the globe. One of the critical factors that the companies should consider is the composition of their workforce and the number of women that are part of it. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at Autocar Professional's International Women's Day special webinar held on March 9, Sherry Vasa, Executive Vice President and CHRO of Marelli, highlighted that in the immediate future, company managers will need to consider ways to re-enter and reintegrate women employees who face constraints beyond their control.

Working women are still the principal caregivers at home, which results in many more interruptions in their professional journey—including short-term leaves of absence and long-term career breaks.

According to Vasa, organizations should also provide an effective sponsorship program or training in their domains to women professionals who have been trying to get back to the workplace after a break. 

She also mentioned that women in the workforce, particularly in the COVID era, are demanding more from their companies and work environments in terms of flexible working hours, employment benefits, growth, and inclusion.

"Leadership must acknowledge the needs of women and provide ways to reintegrate them back into the workforce when they return. Companies should focus on having policies and processes to support them as they ease back into the workplace, like flexi options or childcare support systems,” she added.

She further stated that companies should actively invest in attracting and retaining female talent in order to preserve their talent pools and financial performance.

"Now more than ever, women are willing to make a change in their career to get those things that they are looking for. If they are not finding these things in the company that they are at, they will go outside," Vasa pointed out. 

Vasa also emphasized that the top management of the companies can set the tone for diversity and inclusion. "It's not one size fits all. Companies have to be flexible and keep their ears open to understand what their workforce needs. And companies that do these things will win and thrive, and that's where the people want to be,” she added.