The COVID-19 pandemic had an almost immediate and widespread impact on the agencies and people across all levels from executive and creative to administrative positions. As a result, the U.S. has since witnessed a decline in its labor force, particularly with women. A disproportionate number of women have left the workforce since the onset of the pandemic, with the women’s labor force participation hitting a 33-year low at the start of 2021. Vice-President Harris called it a “national emergency”, stating that “our economy cannot fully recover unless women can participate fully.”
In a recent article published by Ad Age, Goran Paun, Principal and Creative Director at ArtVersion agency talk about this shifting matter.
“Companies can’t afford to lose women as leaders and creatives. Shifting to a more flexible and empathetic workplace, equal opportunities and work-life balance is a must. It is something that, if not addressed, would hurt the entire industry.”
– Goran Paun, Principal at ArtVersion
Historically, the advertising industry is notoriously male-dominated, especially in leadership, while women have primarily held administrative positions. In recent years we started to see an ever so slight change from administrative into leadership and creative positions, but the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly made things worse. A disproportionate number of women have left the workforce. The crisis often represents an opportunity to change. Women are essential in the creative and leadership space in the same way as diversity is important. Women make the creative industry smarter, meaningful and way funnier. Companies can’t afford to lose women as leaders and creatives. Making a shift to building a more flexible and empathetic workplace, equal opportunity for women to achieve their potential and work-life balance is a must. Less anxiety to disconnect the laptop after working hours and more time to devote to the family when working from home is key. Ideally, work would be a supportive place. We urgently need more awareness to get the balance on track. It is a corporate responsibility and something that, if not addressed, would hurt the entire industry.
Ad Age is a daily must-read for decision-makers and disruptors across the marketing and media landscape since 1930. Ad Age is a global media brand focused on curated creativity, data and analysis, people and culture, and innovation and forecasting. Ad Age is an affiliate of Crain Communications, one of the largest privately owned business media companies with 21 leading business, trade and consumer brands in North America, Europe and Asia. ArtVersion’s full profile on Ad Age can be viewed at the link here.
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About ArtVersion
ArtVersion® (https://artversion.com/) is a creative agency headquartered in Chicago, IL, globally acclaimed for user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. With over twenty years of leading expertise in graphic design, branding and web development, ArtVersion works with clients worldwide to craft dynamic strategies, visuals and messaging that delivers powerful user experiences. ArtVersion’s services range from conceptualization, design & layout, and content strategies relevant to digital web and print delivery methods.