In the world of premium hardwood flooring, where attention to detail and a steady hand are paramount, the workforce has long been dominated by men. But a seismic shift is underway as more and more women are walking away from their roles, leaving employers scrambling to adapt. The reasons behind this exodus are complex, rooted in a perfect storm of pandemic-era challenges and a growing desire for work-life balance that the industry has struggled to accommodate.

The Burnout Factor

According to a recent USA Today report, close to 455,000 women left their jobs in January 2025 alone, a staggering statistic that has industry experts sounding the alarm. "The juggling made burnout inevitable," says Bernice Chao, a former C-suite executive who left her position due to the overwhelming demands of balancing a high-powered career and raising two young children. "It wasn't one big breaking point—it was the slow accumulation of unrealistic demands that made it clear the system wasn't built to support working mothers."

The Childcare Cliff

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated an already tenuous childcare landscape, with KPMG research finding that childcare labor shortages and elevated demand have kept prices high and options scarce. This "childcare cliff" has become a major factor pushing mothers, especially those with very young children, out of the workforce entirely.

The Path Forward

What this really means is that the hardwood flooring industry, like many others, must fundamentally rethink its approach to supporting and retaining female talent. As Geena Davis Institute president Madeline di Nonno notes, "It's not all about the perfect mom, which is what we see so much on TV." The bigger picture here is that companies must embrace flexible work arrangements, generous parental leave, and a cultural shift that values work-life balance as much as it does technical expertise. Those who fail to adapt risk losing not just women, but the diverse perspectives and skilled hands that are essential to the future of this craft.