Burnout and Working Women. Could It Be the Best Thing that Ever Happened to Us?
COVID-19, women, and a surprising shift in the workplace
In 2021, McKinsey & Company’s Women in the Workplace Survey reported that since 2015, we’ve seen only modest signs of progress in the representation of working women in the corporate pipeline.
Representation of women by level, % of employees
A=entry level B=manager C=senior manager/director D=vice president E=senior vice president F=C-suite
Entry Level —————> C-suite
While the COVID-19 pandemic has since caused these numbers to drop further, it has also provided an opportunity for many women looking for a new avenue to more rapid career advancement.
I was contacted recently by a journalist for an interview on women in the workplace—specifically, the impact of COVID-19 burnout on women’s careers.
In preparation, I took a walk to clear my head and reflect on everything women in business have faced in recent years. That’s when it hit me:
The pandemic didn’t just disrupt women’s lives—it sparked an unexpected shift.
Yes, the devastation was undeniable, but beneath the exhaustion, there’s an opportunity many of us didn’t see coming.
Could pandemic burnout actually be accelerating women’s leadership advancement—breaking the glass ceiling faster than we imagined?
Three transformational shifts in women’s workplace experience
When we look back on history, transformational workplace shifts are often clear in hindsight: the rise of labor unions, the digital revolution, or the introduction of remote work.
The pandemic sparked one of these defining moments for women—though its full impact is still unfolding.
1: The first transformation: Pre-pandemic corporate culture
Before the pandemic, corporate culture was defined by “heads-down” work. Women—whether in entry-level or executive roles—focused on their tasks, goals, and individual success.
Senior-level women had few female mentors. To climb the corporate ladder, they pushed hard to prove themselves and compete in male-dominated leadership spaces.
Entry-level women were equally driven, honing skills and completing assignments independently.
But the environment was often siloed, with limited collaboration, minimal mentorship, and little time for career reflection.
For women in corporate culture, success meant putting your head down and pushing forward.
2: The second transformation: Pandemic burnout
Then, the pandemic changed everything.
Overnight, remote work for women became the norm. Back-to-back Zoom meetings blurred the boundaries between work and home. Parents became teachers. Women cared for children, spouses, and aging parents—all while meeting their job responsibilities.
What we once called a “lack of work-life balance” suddenly felt like a luxury.
Burnout spread almost as quickly as the virus itself.
The silver lining? For the first time, women who’d been running on autopilot paused to reassess:
“Is this career path right for me?”
“What am I working toward?”
“Is there something more fulfilling I could be doing?”
The Great Resignation followed—driven largely by women choosing to prioritize fulfillment over burnout. According to Deloitte’s Women @ Work report, nearly 40% of women cited burnout as their reason for seeking new roles, with many opting for career shifts or entirely new industries.
This shift wasn’t just about leaving jobs—it was about reclaiming purpose.
Deloitte, a leading provider of business, legal, tax, and consulting services, surveyed 5,000 working women across 10 countries for their Women @ Work 2022: A Global Outlook report. The responses indicate that “women are more likely to be looking for a new role than they were a year ago, and burnout is the top driving factor: nearly 40% of women actively looking for a new employer cited it as the main reason. Over half of women want to leave their employer in the next two years, and only 10% plan to stay with their current employer for more than five years.”
Percentage of women who rated the following aspects of life as poor/very poor
While we may be limited in our ability to change our personal lives, we can change our business environment and our career direction.
3: The third transformation: Women’s advancement—Further. Faster.
Here’s where the pandemic burnout leads to opportunity:
Women who once settled for “acceptable” positions are now chasing what fulfills them—and they’re doing so with purpose, ambition, and urgency.
Burnout woke women up. It forced them to look beyond survival and ask:
“What do I want? And how can I get there faster?”
This mindset shift is a game-changer for women’s leadership advancement:
Women are embracing roles that align with their values and strengths.
They’re pivoting to industries and positions where they can thrive.
They’re moving up faster because they’re more intentional about their careers.
For some, this means pursuing management roles or stepping into leadership positions. For others, it’s about starting their own businesses, launching creative ventures, or entering industries they’re passionate about.
When women find work they love, they don’t just succeed—they accelerate.
The Silver Lining: Burnout as a Catalyst for Change
So, can burnout truly be the silver lining that transforms the workplace for women?
Absolutely.
Burnout forces clarity: It strips away complacency and reveals what truly matters.
Career shifts bring fulfillment: Women leaving unfulfilling jobs are more likely to pursue roles where they can make an impact.
Fulfilled women lead better: Passion drives excellence. Women who love their work seek more opportunities, take on leadership, and mentor others.
We’re entering a new era where women don’t just participate in the workplace—they transform it.
The best part? This isn’t a slow shift. It’s happening now.
Final Thoughts: Writing the Next Chapter
Burnout didn’t break us—it woke us up. Women in the workplace are stepping into this moment with purpose, clarity, and ambition.
This is more than a new chapter for women’s careers—it’s a whole new narrative. A story where women lead, innovate, and thrive on their terms.
I can’t wait to see where we take it from here.
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