New report shows decline in Wisconsin women in the workforce

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) --- Wisconsin's economy is changing. Experts say while wages are increasing, and while inflation is leveling out, women are being driven out of the workforce.

Laura Dresser, Associate Director at COWS UW-Madison, spoke to CBS 58 about the newest report from her research team. The COWS team released this week the newest edition of its annual report, "The State of Working Wisconsin."

"We have a higher number of jobs today than the state has ever had," said Dresser.

Dresser says data shows Wisconsinites are working more than the national average but the number of women in the workplace is shifting.

"We're seeing that shrink a little bit. The relative advantage, commitment, and the kind of over achievement on work that Wisconsin women have traditionally shown has really come down in the last three or four years," said Dresser.

Lack of affordable childcare options is a likely factor. Employers hoping to solve worker shortages should be concerned.

"Early in the pandemic, women were really impacted by the changes to childcare and schooling. Women carrying the burden of care in the home disproportionally and so when the system sort of fell apart, it was women and their work that took the hit," said Dresser

Labor force participation among Wisconsin women has fallen below 60 percent for the first time since the 1980's. Researchers say unless more investments are made to increase child care options, the problem could get worse.