This Women’s History Month, a new international study revealed that women are not only dealing with a pay gap, but also an “exhaustion gap.” As a result, women are feeling less driven and less inspired.

Research from strategic and creative agency Berlin Cameron partnered with Kantar, Luminary, Eve Rodsky’s Fair Play says women feel more stressed and isolated compared to men. In the last seven days, 66% of women have felt burnt out and for younger women 25-34, burnout is higher at 71%. Only 50% women are likely to ask for help if they feel burnout.

Supporting women in the workforce starts with recognition. Paula Wygonik, MAS, president of Michigan-based distributor CE Competitive Edge LLC, says, the promo industry can better support women “by highlighting women in senior leadership roles at the larger companies and highlighting their balance of work and personal life. Work-life balance is critical for all, but women tend to be judged for embracing balance as a lack of career priority.”

This lack of work-life balance during the pandemic has taken a toll on women, leading to a “she-cession.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 3.5 million mothers with school-aged children either took a leave, lost their job or left the job market.Even with recent drops in jobless rates, women are still 2.3 million jobs behind pre-Covid rates.

Women-led companies create positive ripple effects. According to a 2017 Harris Poll survey, half of respondents want to work for a female leader. Over 75% think female leaders are more likely to offer equal pay and childcare, and 56% think female leaders are more purpose driven.

Kate Alvarez, COO of California-based distributor Promo Shop, Inc., says, “I think the most significant barrier to female leadership is about having the willingness to ask why there aren’t more women in leadership roles. We have to be comfortable asking why when there is a notable lack of female representation on a project, in C-Suite roles, in prominent positions, or anywhere we see leadership happening. If you are in a position of leadership, invite other women to the table, celebrate their achievements, join their teams.”

Most women who kept working weren’t rewarded. Since the start of the pandemic, 66% of women didn’t receive a pay or salary increase and 79% did not receive a promotion. The pandemic has also impacted women’s overall health. One-third say it has impacted their physical health and half say it has impacted their mental health.

Jennifer DaSilva, president of Berlin Cameron, says,“There is a high burden on [women] to put forward multiple versions of themselves and its impact is seldom acknowledged. This study reveals that these pressures are immense and can hold women back from exercising their creativity, passions and drive for success.”

Twenty-six percent of women feel somewhat less or much less motivated in their career. Outside of work, they aren’t having much fun either. Nearly 55% of women never or rarely do an activity that inspires them. Sixty-four percent of women wish they had more time for themselves, and 53% of women wish they could invest in themselves and their interests and hobbies.

Eve Rodsky, author of national bestseller Find Your Unicorn Space, says, “The answer to burnout is no longer a walk around the block or a drink with a girlfriend. The antidote to burnout is actually being interested in your own life. It’s about making time beyond your roles as a parent, partner and/or professional for your creative pursuits.”