Wharton Economist Dr. Corinne Low: What Women Want in the Workplace

Dr. Corinne Low, Wharton economist and author, joins host Gene Marks to share groundbreaking research that challenges everything we think we know about supporting women in the workplace. Her data-driven insights reveal why conventional approaches to workplace flexibility aren't working — and what actually does.

During this episode, Dr. Low unpacks 15 years of economic research on women's work-life dynamics, offering practical solutions for business owners and managers looking to attract, retain, and maximize the potential of their female talent.

📌 What you’ll learn:
• Why women are willing to give up 40% of their salary to avoid unpredictable work schedules — and what they actually value instead of flexibility.
• How modern parenting demands have created “The Squeeze” that's making work-life balance harder than ever.
• The hidden costs of employee burnout and specific workplace policies that can help retain top talent during critical career phases.
• Strategic approaches to recruiting and managing women across their entire career lifecycle, including how to tap into an underutilized pool of experienced professionals.

Whether you're a business owner, manager, or HR professional, this discussion provides actionable insights backed by economic research to help you build a more effective and supportive workplace for all employees.

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Topics include:

00:00 – Episode preview and introduction
03:50 – Dr. Low’s background and research
05:28 – Overview of Dr. Low’s new book
07:31 – Why modern motherhood feels harder
09:09 – Debunking the flexibility myth
12:32 – Predictibility vs. flexibility
14:19 – Gender differences in workplace needs
15:17 – Understanding “The Squeeze” period
22:01 – The childcare cost crisis
25:28 – The lifecycle investment approach
30:40 – Wrap up and thank you

#Paychex #THRIVEPodcast #WorkingMothers #WomenInBusiness #EmployeeRetention #worklifebalance

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