A 19-month-long airborne pandemic, combined with caregiving responsibilities without adequate support, has pushed untold numbers of women from the workforce, but a new survey suggests that many female workers who stopped working during the coronvirus pandemic plan to return, albeit with hopes and expectations of more support from their employers.

A recent study conducted by MetLife, featured in an article in HR Dive, found 63% of those who left work plan to come back. MetLife surveyed 2,000 women in September and found a majority wanted to see a number of different benefits and policies put in place when they return: 78% want increased leave and flexibility, 73% called for career progression opportunities, 71% for economic incentives and tailored benefits, 67% want upskilling programs and 63% want to see more DEI programs.

The loss of women workers overall is mirrored in the commercial real estate industry. According to a survey included in a report compiled by CREW, a female networking group in CRE, 38% of its 1,000-plus members felt the pandemic stalled progress for women in the industry, while another 32% said the pandemic derailed progress.

The talent shortage in CRE has increasingly been met by increased salaries and expanded benefits, recruiters and HR experts told Bisnow, with firms competing fiercely for top talent. The return of more women to the job may both ease certain shortages, and also shape the way firms alter benefits packages to fill open roles.