Juggling during Lockdown: Balancing Telework and Family Life in Pandemic Times and Its Perceived Consequences for the Health and Wellbeing of Working Women.

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work-family balance due to lockdown measures. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of working mothers in Spain and the consequences of trying to balance work and family for their health and wellbeing. We conducted a qualitative study based on 18 semi-structured interviews with mothers of children under 10. Five themes were identified: (1) Telework-characteristics and challenges of a new labor scenario; (2) Survival and chaos-inability to work, look after children, and manage a household at the same time; (3) Is co-responsibility a matter of luck?-challenges when sharing housework during lockdown; (4) Breakdown of the care and social support system; and (5) decline in health of women trying to balance work and family life. Mothers who had to balance telework against family life suffered physical, mental, and social effects, such as anxiety, stress, sleep deprivation, and relationship problems. This study suggests that, in situations of crisis, gender inequality increases in the household, and women tend to shift back to traditional gendered roles. Governments and employers should be made aware of this, and public policies should be implemented to facilitate work-family reconciliation and co-responsibility within couples.

Mental toll on working women during the COVID-19 pandemic: An exploratory study using Reddit data.

COVID-19 has led to an unprecedented surge in unemployment associated with increased anxiety, stress, and loneliness impacting the well-being of various groups of people (based on gender and age). Given the increased unemployment rate, this study intends to understand if the different dimensions of well-being change across age and gender. By quantifying sentiment, stress, and loneliness with natural language processing tools and one-way, between-group multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) using Reddit data, we assessed the differences in well-being characteristics for age groups and gender. We see a noticeable increase in the number of mental health-related subreddits for younger women since March 2020 and the trigger words used by them indicate poor mental health caused by relationship and career challenges posed by the pandemic. The MANOVA results show that women under 30 have significantly (p = 0.05) higher negative sentiment, stress, and loneliness levels than other age and gender groups. The results suggest that younger women express their vulnerability on social media more strongly than older women or men. The huge disruption of job routines caused by COVID-19 alongside inadequate relief and benefit programs has wrecked the economy and forced millions of women and families to the edge of bankruptcy. Women had to choose between being home managers and financial providers due to the countrywide shutdown of schools and day-cares. These findings open opportunities to reconsider how policy supports women's responsibilities.

The predictors of health-enhancing physical activity among working women in Singapore two years into COVID-19: a cross-sectional study.

Physical activity (PA) levels may have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these changes are not well understood. The study aimed to describe the PA level and examine the predictive factors of a health-enhancing PA level among working women in Singapore two years into the COVID-19 pandemic. We undertook a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study. Three hundred participants were recruited and completed the online questionnaire between October and November 2021. In the PA analysis of 217 participants, only 32.7% of the participants achieved a health-enhancing PA level, while 44.7% of the total sample sat for 7 h or more daily. In the univariate analysis, occupation, nationality, monthly income, and average daily sitting hours were significantly associated with a high PA level. The current mode of work, living arrangement, and health-promoting lifestyle profile II_physical activity score remained significant in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Participants who worked from home and stayed with their families were less likely to achieve a health-enhancing PA level than those who had a regular workplace and did not stay with their families. Working women with a health-promoting physically active lifestyle were likelier to achieve a health-enhancing PA level. The long daily sitting time and suboptimal health-enhancing PA participation underscore the need for health promotion initiatives for working women.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on recruitment for the working women walking program.

The global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affected many aspects of randomized controlled trials, including recruiting and screening participants. The purpose of this paper is to (a) describe adjustments to recruitment and screening due to COVID-19, (b) compare the proportional recruitment outcomes (not completed, ineligible, and eligible) at three screening stages (telephone, health assessment, and physical activity assessment) pre- and post-COVID-19 onset, and (c) compare baseline demographic characteristics pre- and post-COVID-19 onset in the Working Women Walking program. The design is a cross-sectional descriptive analysis of recruitment and screening data from a 52-week sequential multiple assignment randomized trial (SMART). Participants were women 18-70 years employed at a large urban medical center. Recruitment strategies shifted from in-person and electronic to electronic only post-COVID-19 onset. In-person eligibility screening for health and physical activity assessments continued post-COVID-19 onset with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention precautions. Of those who expressed interest in the study pre- and post-COVID-19 onset (n = 485 & n = 269 respectively), 40% (n = 194) met all eligibility criteria pre-COVID-19 onset, and 45.7% (n = 123) post-COVID-19 onset. Although there were differences in the proportions of participants who completed or were eligible for some of the screening stages, the final eligibility rates did not differ significantly pre-COVID-19 versus post-COVID-19 onset. Examination of differences in participant demographics between pre- and post-COVID-19 onset revealed a significant decrease in the percentage of Black women recruited into the study from pre- to post-COVID-19 onset. Studies recruiting participants into physical activity studies should explore the impact of historical factors on recruitment.

Preventing soft skill decay among early-career women in STEM during COVID-19: Evidence from a longitudinal intervention.

As the workforce shifts to being predominantly hybrid and remote, how can companies help employees-particularly early-career women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields-develop greater confidence in their soft skills, shown to improve organizational retention? We evaluate the effects of an online longitudinal intervention to develop soft skills among early-career women employees at a North American biotechnology company during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Controlling for baseline levels collected immediately prior to nationwide lockdowns, we find that a 6-month online intervention increased early-career women's assessments of their soft skills at work by an average of 9% (P < 0.001), compared with a decrease of about 3.5% for a matched control group (P < 0.05), resulting in an average treatment effect of nearly 13% on the treated group. Furthermore, we find evidence that the intervention led to an increase in manager-assessed performance for early-career women relative to employees not in the intervention, and that overall, increased self-assessments of soft skill competencies were associated with greater odds of retention. Results show how employee soft skill development was affected by the pandemic and provide insights for a feasible and cost-effective method to train and engage a hybrid or fully remote workforce.

Gender-responsive social protection post-COVID-19.

Investment in gender-responsive social protection systems and evidence is key to a more equal future post-COVID-19.

Workers or Heroines? Health Care in Times of Crisis / ¿Trabajadoras o heroínas? Cuidados sanitarios en tiempos de crisis / Trabalhadoras ou heroínas? A assistência médica em tempos de crise

Introducción: el artículo reflexiona sobre las tensiones que atraviesan las profesiones vinculadas a los cuidados sanitarios en situaciones de crisis acontecidas en la historia de Argentina. Se consideran tres momentos en los cuales, ante situaciones de crisis políticas, epidemias y catástrofes naturales, las mujeres, en su rol naturalizado de cuidadoras, tuvieron un desempeño más visible. Desarrollo: se analiza la participación de una de las primeras médicas argentinas, Elvira Rawson, durante la Revolución del Parque (26 de julio de 1890, Buenos Aires) cuando, aun siendo estudiante, desafió los criterios establecidos y atendió heridos de bala sin distinguir filiación política. Luego, se reflexiona sobre el papel de un grupo de enfermeras (argentinas y estadounidenses) durante la epidemia de poliomielitis en 1943 y la creación de un controvertido método de rehabilitación ideado por una enfermera, Elizabeth Kenny. Por último, se examina al terremoto sucedido en la provincia de San Juan, en 1944, como un escenario que convocó vocaciones solidarias y estimuló el desarrollo de la enfermería en Argentina. Conclusiones: la retórica de la "vocación", el "amor al prójimo" o las "dotes naturalizadas otorgadas por el sexo" suelen ser rasgos que se acentúan durante crisis políticas, sociales y sanitarias. La pandemia de covid-19 renueva estrategias discursivas heroicas y sacrificiales que son insuficientes para reconocer los saberes profesionales asociados con las tareas de cuidados, al tiempo que ocultan las malas condiciones de trabajo y las desigualdades sexo-genéricas que se reproducen en el campo sociosanitario

Introduction: This article reflects on the tensions that occurred in healthcare professionals during crisis situations in the history of Argentina. Women, in their naturalized role as caregivers, played a more visible role in the face of political crises, epidemics, and natural disasters. Development: We analyzed the participation of one of the first Argentinean women doctors, Elvira Rawson, during the Revolution of the Park (July 26, 1890, Buenos Aires), when, although she was a student, she defied the establishment by treating gunshot victims, regardless of their political affiliation. We have then highlighted the role of a group of nurses (Argentinean and American) during the polio epidemic in 1943 and a controversial method of rehabilitation developed by Elizabeth Kenny. Finally, we examined the 1944 earthquake that occurred in the province of San Juan as a scenario that called for solidary vocations and stimulated the development of nursing in Argentina. Conclusions: The rhetoric of "vocation," "love of neighbor," or "naturalized gifts given by sex" are features that are often accentuated during political, social, and health crises. The covid-19 pandemic renews heroic and sacrificial discursive strategies that are insufficient to recognize the professional knowledge associated with caregiving tasks, while hiding substandard working conditions and gender inequalities that are reproduced within the social and healthcare fields

Introdução: o artigo reflete sobre as tensões que afetam as profissões relacionadas à saúde em situações de crise ocorridas na história da Argentina. São considerados três momentos em que, em situações de crises políticas, epidemias e catástrofes naturais, a mulher, em seu papel naturalizado de cuidadora, teve um papel mais visível. Desenvolvimento: é analisada a participação de uma das primeiras médicas argentinas, Elvira Rawson, durante a Revolução do Parque (26 de julho de 1890, Buenos Aires) quando, ainda como estudante, desafiou os critérios estabelecidos para tratar feridos à bala sem distinguir afi-liação política. Em seguida, se reflete sobre o papel de um grupo de enfermeiras (argentinas e norte--americanas) durante a epidemia de pólio em 1943 e o desenvolvimento de um polêmico método de reabilitação idealizado por uma enfermeira, Elizabeth Kenny. Por fim, examina-se o terremoto ocorrido na província de San Juan em 1944, como um cenário que convocou vocações solidárias e estimulou o desenvolvimento da enfermagem na Argentina. Conclusões: a retórica da "vocação", do "amor ao pró-ximo" ou dos "dons naturalizados concedidos pelo sexo" costumam ser traços que se acentuam nas crises políticas, sociais e de saúde. A pandemia covid-19 renova estratégias discursivas heroicas e sacrificiais insuficientes para reconhecer os saberes profissionais associados às tarefas de cuidado, ao mesmo tempo em que oculta as precárias condições de trabalho e as desigualdades de gênero que se reproduzem no campo sociossanitário

Potential benefits of Yoga in pregnancy-related complications during the COVID-19 pandemic and implications for working women.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a vulnerable period of growth and enrichment along with many physiological and psychological challenges. These changes can lead to complications if compounded by external stress and anxiety. COVID-19 has emerged as a chief stressor among the general population and is a serious threat among vulnerable populations. Therefore, there is a need for stress management tools, such as Yoga and physical exercises, both at home and at work. These can be adopted during the pandemic with proper maintenance of social distancing. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compile literature that has reported the health outcomes of Yoga intervention on pregnancy at the workplace and analyzes both the restrictions as well as advantages of its beneficial effects in comparison to physical exercises. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature review was conducted utilizing PubMed and Google Scholar. The keywords used for the search include "Yoga", "work", "complications", "physical exercise", "drugs" and "COVID" indifferent permutations and combinations with "pregnancy". We compiled the literature with respect to pregnancy complications and the effects of drugs, physical activity and Yoga for preventing these complications. RESULTS: We noted that pregnancy-related complications are becoming more prevalent because of a sedentary lifestyle, restricted physical activity and growing stress. In such situations, a home or workplace Yoga protocol can combine both exercise and mindfulness-based alleviation of anxiety for both working and non-working women. CONCLUSION: Yoga can be effective for combating stress and anxiety besides boosting immunity in pregnant working women confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Assessment of Burnout Levels Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Web-Based Survey by the (Italian) Association of Medical Endocrinologists (AME).

BACKGROUND: Some endocrinologists were involved in the management of patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic. This study aims to analyze burnout levels among the Association of Medical Endocrinologists (AME) members before and during the pandemic. METHODS: We recruited two AME members samples at two different times: before COVID-19 (n = 811) and during the first wave of the ongoing pandemic (n = 579). Both the samples filled the Maslach Burnout Inventory. We performed MANOVAs to evaluate demographic and COVID-19 related differences in burnout levels and Pearson's Chi-square test to compare burnout severity before and during the pandemic. RESULTS: Women reported higher Emotional Exhaustion and reduced Professional Accomplishment than men. The oldest physicians had lower levels of Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization and higher Professional Accomplishment than younger workers. Independent contractors displayed lower levels of burnout compared to established contractors. Finally, the pandemic, per se, did not lead to changes in burnout levels. DISCUSSION: Women and young physicians are at higher risk of burnout. It is also possible that front- line professionals are at higher risk during a health care crisis. Moreover, it is likely that the length of exposure to the pandemic has not been sufficient to impact burnout levels. CONCLUSION: Short-term exposure to pandemic-related activities seemed to have a low impact on burnout severity, except for physicians directly involved in managing COVID-19 cases. It is strongly recommended the availability of psychological support in public hospitals.

Empowering Women as Leaders in Pediatric Anesthesiology: Methodology, Lessons, and Early Outcomes of a National Initiative.

Research has shown that women have leadership ability equal to or better than that of their male counterparts, yet proportionally fewer women than men achieve leadership positions and promotion in medicine. The Women's Empowerment and Leadership Initiative (WELI) was founded within the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia (SPA) in 2018 as a multidimensional program to help address the significant career development, leadership, and promotion gender gap between men and women in anesthesiology. Herein, we describe WELI's development and implementation with an early assessment of effectiveness at 2 years. Members received an anonymous, voluntary survey by e-mail to assess whether they believed WELI was beneficial in several broad domains: career development, networking, project implementation and completion, goal setting, mentorship, well-being, and promotion and leadership. The response rate was 60.5% (92 of 152). The majority ranked several aspects of WELI to be very or extremely valuable, including the protégé-advisor dyads, workshops, nomination to join WELI, and virtual facilitated networking. For most members, WELI helped to improve optimism about their professional future. Most also reported that WELI somewhat or absolutely contributed to project improvement or completion, finding new collaborators, and obtaining invitations to be visiting speakers. Among those who applied for promotion or leadership positions, 51% found WELI to be somewhat or absolutely valuable to their application process, and 42% found the same in applying for leadership positions. Qualitative analysis of free-text survey responses identified 5 main themes: (1) feelings of empowerment and confidence, (2) acquisition of new skills in mentoring, coaching, career development, and project implementation, (3) clarification and focus on goal setting, (4) creating meaningful connections through networking, and (5) challenges from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the inability to sustain the advisor-protégé connection. We conclude that after 2 years, the WELI program has successfully supported career development for the majority of protégés and advisors. Continued assessment of whether WELI can meaningfully contribute to attainment of promotion and leadership positions will require study across a longer period. WELI could serve as a programmatic example to support women's career development in other subspecialties.

Kay M. Tye.

Kay M. Tye shares how focusing on personal and team mental and physical health forms the necessary foundation for future success. In an interview with Neuron, she also discusses the need for better representation in STEM and how global lockdowns have reinvigorated her scientific interests in social homeostasis.

Eunji Cheong.

In Korea, the pandemic has elevated scientists as trusted sources for both policy decisions and dinner table conversation. In an interview with Neuron, Eunji Cheong discusses how we need to support future generations by fostering scientific thinking, patience, and flexibility.