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COVID’s Impact on Remote Work Has Offered a Lifeline to Many Military Spouses

by | Jul 18, 2022 | Blog | 0 comments

Little girl woman and military man sitting on couch

For many wives and husbands of military service personnel, it can be a challenge to hold down a job and build a career—particularly for those in positions where developing a relationship with clientele or companies is important (like being a lawyer or private-practice doctor). Add to the mix balancing family life and self-care, and there’s traditionally been little room for military spouses to relax and breathe easy.

As businesses and communities went virtual at the advent of the COVID pandemic, many working military spouses found a surprising silver lining: The opportunity to work from home. In addition to remote work options, the ability to tackle a growing number of tasks, like grocery shopping or attending doctor’s visits, through new virtual channels has been a benefit.

Military spouses who had previously felt cut off from their peers also suddenly had new points of connection, too. This has helped bridge several gaps that may have otherwise left them feeling alone and isolated. The internet, Zoom meetings, and virtual mental healthcare have all helped to connect individuals with like-minded peers or support providers. As we move through the pandemic, it is difficult to know how things will continue to shift for working military spouses. But, we can build on what we’ve learned—and help to carry forward newly discovered benefits.

The early part of the pandemic was difficult for military families

Military spouse unemployment worsened at the beginning of the pandemic, according to findings from Booz Allen’s COVID-19 Military Support Initiative. 

A pre-existing issue facing many military families, the pandemic seemed to intensify the problem. In fact, in 2020, Booz Allen’s research found that 17% of military spouses reported losing their job as a result of the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic, military spouses were at 24% unemployment.

But, as businesses enhanced virtual capabilities, military families excelled

Husbands and wives of military personnel, “emerged as the premier remote workforce during the pandemic,” reports Meredith Lozar, executive director of programs and events for Hiring Our Heroes. Lozar cites how military spouses were all-to-familiar with working in stressful, uncertain situations. She shared in a recent War Horse interview, “We’ve done this, let us tell you how to do it, we know how to manage great amounts of stress, we’re highly organized—we can help everyone get through this.”

Now that so many employers have witnessed first-hand how productive and engaged their workers can be from home, military spouses may not always be faced with giving up a career for their husband or wife. 

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2021, 64% of U.S. companies had extended remote support to its workforce. That’s compared to just 7% prior to the pandemic.

Remote work for busy and stressed military spouses means they’re 70% more productive and motivated, According to Eagle Hill Consulting. And they’re saving between $2,500 and $4,000 by working remotely and not needing to commute or pay for childcare. 

Celebrating the silver linings

Although COVID brings with it new stresses, it also helps to tame some of the troubles so many military families face. Career development and growth, childcare, emotional support, healthcare, and more have all seen improvements with new opportunities for quality virtual connections and support. 

For military spouses, who move often and frequently feel alone, this is a godsend, bringing with it some added benefits. We’ll continue to advocate for some of the good changes that have surfaced over the past couple of years, and strive to help support military families in the days ahead.  Just a few of the benefits we’re celebrating include:

  • Careers are now more portable. For military families who move often, this leads to greater financial stability.
  • Working from home can alleviate the need for consistent childcare and alleviate a big cost (and stressor).
  • Spouses are better equipped to build independence and financial security (including retirement accounts). Both of which can be particularly beneficial for couples who may be struggling with relationship issues.
  • The reduced need for commuting means families have more time to spend together. 
  • Additionally, spouses who can now work from home have more time for themselves, too. 

For more support

If you’re a military spouse looking for support and resources, be sure to check out the following:

I also invite you to contact me directly at Jakia@jmlindley.com.