The share of American women working for pay is currently at its highest recorded level. Interestingly, the surge in female employment has been driven by mothers of children under the age of 5. Despite historically working less than other women, mothers in this group have seen significant gains since the start of the pandemic. The analysis, conducted by the Hamilton Project at the Brookings Institution, attributes this increase to the ability of certain mothers, particularly those who are married and have college degrees, to work remotely.

The study highlights that married, well-educated women with young children have experienced remarkable growth in their employment. This group was already on an upward trend prior to the pandemic, and they were able to bounce back and continue that trajectory. For example, Julia Keintz, who works as an analytics leader at Zillow, chose her position because the company allows employees to work remotely and have flexible schedules. This arrangement has given her the freedom to better manage her parenting responsibilities, such as avoiding the hassle of bringing breast milk pumping supplies to and from work and saving time on commuting.

The share of women employed in the United States has been steadily increasing since the 1970s. However, while other countries have continued to see growth, the rate in the US reached a plateau. Economists attribute this stagnation to the lack of family-friendly policies, such as paid leave and subsidized child care. Additionally, the increasing expectation of round-the-clock availability from employers has posed a challenge for working parents.

Nevertheless, the labor force participation rate for working-age adults, including mothers, experienced an uptick towards the end of 2019, just prior to the pandemic. This was partially due to a combination of low unemployment rates and certain state and local policies that made finding a job easier. Today, a new high of 77.7 percent of women aged 25 to 54 are employed, proving that the closures of schools and child care facilities during the pandemic did not erase the decades-long progress in women’s employment. Furthermore, a greater proportion of mothers with both preschool and school-age children are currently working compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Several factors have contributed to the increase in female employment in recent months. Temporary federal expansions of paid leave and child care subsidies during the pandemic, along with permanent benefits provided by some states and cities, have played a role. The tight labor market has also made jobs more attractive, and the need for a higher income due to inflation has been a motivating factor. Moreover, cultural shifts involving delayed childbearing and a stronger focus on careers and education have contributed to the rise in women’s employment.

One of the most influential changes for parents has been the adoption of remote work and increased flexibility in office jobs. These pandemic-induced changes have not only benefited women but also other groups, such as individuals with disabilities. Becca Cosani, a health insurance consultant and mother, experienced this firsthand. Initially hesitant about taking a job that required constant travel while raising a baby, she found that the pandemic brought unforeseen benefits. Her clients transitioned to remote work, so she now works from her home office in Texas. This arrangement allows her to accomplish household tasks during breaks and spend more time with her children, cherishing moments she would have missed during a regular commute.

The analysis primarily focuses on mothers of babies and toddlers, who have benefited the most from remote work. Among college-educated mothers with children under 5 years old, 80.3 percent are currently employed, surpassing the previous high of 77.4 percent at the end of 2019. Nearly half of this group reported working from home at least once a week, a much larger proportion compared to any other group.

However, women with less education, as well as those who are Hispanic or unmarried, are less likely to have jobs that can be done remotely. These individuals often work in fields such as retail or healthcare, which require their physical presence. Although this group has largely returned to work, their employment rates are still below pre-pandemic levels. For instance, of mothers with young children and a high school diploma or less, 54.4 percent are currently employed, compared to 56.1 percent before the pandemic. These workers are also less likely to have employers that offer family-friendly benefits or spouses with flexible schedules. Researchers emphasize the need for government policies to address these challenges and support all workers.

In conclusion, the recent analysis indicates that the share of American women working for pay has reached a record high, largely due to the increased employment of mothers with young children. The ability to work remotely has played a significant role in this surge, providing married, well-educated women with the flexibility they need to balance work and parenting responsibilities. While challenges persist for those who cannot work remotely, the study highlights the potential for improved social policies and structural support to address these issues and ensure a more inclusive workforce.