Ergonomics, or the study of human efficiency in their working environment, has become more important as the way we work, and where we work, continues to evolve. According to the New York Times, about 43% of employed Americans recorded working from home in 2017. This number has continued to increase throughout time.

However, what happens when a person needs to complete their work but lacks a productive space and the materials needed to work from home? This problem can be detrimental to women in developing nations who may lack access to work opportunities outside of the home. Some startup companies, like the nonprofit Nest, are trying to change this. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, about 60% of artisan garment manufacturing is done from workers’ homes, especially by women in developing countries. Nest is aiming to help these women by creating a union-like program that allows workers to create beautiful garments through providing them with materials and funding they can use to create their products at home. The organization partners with about 100,000 handworkers in 70+ countries, according to their website. Nest allows women to work more comfortably and efficiently, with the tools these artisans need to be successful.

As the global economy continues to evolve, we will continue to see more of these type of organizations begin to grow. Jim Yong Kim, the former President of the World Bank Group, said in 2018 that “skills, knowledge, and know-how — collectively called human capital — have become an enormous share of global wealth, bigger than produced capital such as factories or industry or natural resources,” and that “there has never been a more critical time to invest in people, especially in women and girls,” One way you can support female enterprise here in Denver is through contributing to businesses operated and owner by women. 303 Magazine has compiled an extensive list of female-run businesses in the Denver area, which can be found here. Investing in the growing market of female-driven business can be the way to a more prosperous future.