What (and Who) Gets Working Women Through the Day? Our Pollfish Study Spills the (Coffee) Beans

This International Women’s Day, we asked 1,500 working women across the U.S. not just how they’re doing, but who and what helps them survive and thrive through the chaos of a typical workday. The answers are diverse, brilliant, and caffeinated, just like the women themselves.

When the Wi-Fi falters and productivity tanks, these women know exactly who to call: their tech. Apple ruled the roost, with iPhones, MacBooks, and iPads forming an essential holy trinity. Samsung and Google came in strong as well, and bonus points go to any device that lets you check email from bed while sipping your morning coffee (OK, maybe that last one is just a me thing…).

Coffee is the ultimate work-life balance hero, topping the list as the number one product women rely on, with 60% saying it gets them through the day. Starbucks and Dunkin led the charge, Folgers earned its nostalgic nod, and Diet Coke, Monster, and Red Bull quietly powered those “I can’t even” Mondays. Because sometimes caffeine isn’t just a drink, it’s survival.

Keeping the day together isn’t just about tech and caffeine. What you wear matters. Comfortable, stylish footwear like Nike, Skechers, Adidas, and Hokas keep feet happy through back-to-back meetings and standing on your feet all day. Work- ready outfits from scrubs by Figs, to officewear from J.Crew, Ann Taylor, Loft, and Old Navy combine professionalism with practicality and, obviously, functional pockets are a must. I know I’ve exclaimed “It even has pockets!” one too many times.

Even with all the right tools and outfits, staying productive is still a challenge. Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and Apple tools help women manage deadlines, juggle meetings, and conquer never-ending email chains so by the end of the day it looks like they have it all under control.

Getting there without losing your mind is another story. Uber leads the commute pack, Lyft keeps things moving, and public transit quietly holds its ground. Extra points if your journey comes with a coffee in hand and a podcast queued. When some days demand a little movement, Fitbit, Peloton, and Planet Fitness lead the way as the brands most used to help work off the stress in style.

Even amid the hustle, little luxuries matter. Skincare favorites like Olay, CeraVe, and e.l.f. keep confidence high during back-to-back Zoom calls. Fuel comes from DoorDash, UberEats, or trusty snacks like Lays.

Of course, none of this works without support at home. Huggies and Pampers led the way as brand that help women balance little humans with big deadlines and remind us that doing it all does not mean doing it alone.

Our study also revealed what women want from brands. Equal pay, flexibility, and true work-life balance are non-negotiables. Products with thoughtful sizing, functional pockets, and no pink tax show that brands understand their customers. Words are not enough. Women want policies and actions that actually support them.

And who inspires them? The answers are overwhelmingly personal. Moms came in a resounding (and deserving) first, followed by grandmothers, aunts, sisters, and even mothers-in-law. Teachers and workplace mentors shaped careers, while trailblazers like Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Rosa Parks remind them what’s possible. Inspiration comes from love, guidance, and those who change the game.

The takeaway? Working women juggle careers, families, personal growth, and sanity all at once. The right people, products, and policies make a huge difference, whether it is a mentor offering advice, a company offering flexibility, or a cup of coffee that actually works. Studies like this show the power of data and insight. With Pollfish, we can capture these sentiments from real women in less than a day, giving brands the fast, actionable insights they need to make a real difference.

This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate the tools, brands, and people that help women thrive and remember that a little support can go a very long way.

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