A lot has changed in the past few weeks. The coronavirus crisis has affected everything from our well-being to our ability to do our jobs. But are there things about how we are working and living now — in the midst of a pandemic — that will benefit women in the future? Are there opportunities to redefine how women navigate their work and home lives and rewrite what it means to be a woman in the workplace? Is it possible that the recent shift toward more authenticity in professional settings will decrease the pressure we feel to be perfect?

Behavioral scientist Ashley Whillans tells us about the initial findings from her interviews with women about how they’re getting by. She shares strategies for setting healthy boundaries around work and suggests conversations women can have about resetting expectations and boundaries that will help them not just in this moment but also months and years down the road.

Our HBR reading list:

“Give Yourself a Break: The Power of Self-Compassion,” by Serena Chen
“Is It Even Possible to Focus on Anything Right Now?,” by Maura Thomas
“How We Take Care of Ourselves,” from Season 4 of Women at Work

Email us: womenatwork@hbr.org

Our theme music is Matt Hill’s “City In Motion,” provided by Audio Network.

Making the Most of This Mess 30:08 Share

Women at Work

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Making the Most of This Mess