HOW COVID-19 WORK-FROM-HOME INITIATIVES HAVE DISPROPORTIONATELY IMPACTED THE PRODUCTIVITY OF EARTH SCIENTISTS

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused Earth Scientists to adapt to new work-from-home protocols. Although essential for protection against the virus, these restrictions have presented new challenges to the working population. An online survey was distributed globally to Earth Scientists who were working-from-home during the pandemic (N=652) to investigate the impact of these protocols on individuals’ productivity. Due to a variety of circumstances, the productivity of young Earth Scientists, particularly female gendered, was disproportionately negatively affected by work-from-home orders. Factors including the working environment, family obligations and changes in work hours most negatively affected the productivity of Earth Scientists who are in earlier career stages, and especially those who are female. 56% of female Earth Scientists reported a decrease in productivity compared to 39% of male respondents. Over 50% of newly minted (defined as <5 years post terminal degree), early-career (5-10 years), and mid-career (10-20 years) Earth Scientists reported decreased productivity compared to 31% of individuals in their late-career (>20 years). Though further data is required to define the reasons for discrepancy between males and females, and those in earlier versus later stages of their careers, we conclude that societal ills preferentially disadvantage younger individuals and women. Support structures should be focused toward early career stage and female Earth Scientists to overcome these intrinsic biases.