Research: Senior Women Experience Burnout at High Rates

Research and firsthand accounts reveal that even executive-level women are facing substantial pressure to balance work and family responsibilities. A study by McKinsey and LeanIn found that 60 percent of senior-level women report burnout, a higher rate than their male counterparts.

Among top professionals, women are considering career shifts or leaving the workforce altogether. A quarter of senior-level women in the study cited personal obligations as the reason they are not seeking promotions. Research by Catalyst identified childcare responsibilities and costs as primary drivers for women leaving the workforce.

Many highly accomplished women have transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding new businesses or acquiring existing ones. For instance, Anica John, a former product leader at Amazon, opted to buy a printing business for the autonomy it provided. These women often establish companies that offer flexible work arrangements.

Corporate leaders need to address this "brain drain." By maintaining remote and hybrid work options and avoiding their rollback, companies can better support their senior female talent. However, research indicates that women who work remotely are less likely to be promoted than those in the office.