What's Happening?
Quess Corp, a staffing and workforce solutions provider, is taking steps to address the high attrition rates among women in blue-collar jobs. According to a report by Quess Corp and The Udaiti Foundation, 52% of women with less than one year of experience plan to leave their jobs within the next 12 months. The report highlights that women constitute 19% of the blue-collar workforce, up from 16% in FY21, but many leave due to family responsibilities, pregnancy, and health-related challenges. To combat this, Quess Corp has introduced retention measures such as female liaison officers at manufacturing sites, housing for migrant women, and a mobile-based financial product offering salary advances. Despite these efforts, 67% of women who exited placements with Quess Corp in the past six months are currently not working, indicating a need for continued support and systemic changes.
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Why It's Important?
The retention of women in blue-collar jobs is crucial for workforce stability and economic growth. As the blue-collar workforce is projected to account for 70% of all employment by 2030, ensuring women's participation is vital. Women leaving the workforce due to systemic barriers not only affects their economic independence but also impacts community development, as employed women tend to demand better healthcare and education. Addressing these challenges can lead to a more balanced and diverse workforce, enhancing productivity and economic output. Quess Corp's initiatives aim to dismantle these barriers, promoting long-term employability and equal access to job opportunities.
What's Next?
Quess Corp plans to continue implementing measures to improve retention rates among women in blue-collar jobs. This includes enhancing workplace safety, transportation, and proximity to residence, which are critical factors influencing women's decisions to stay employed. The company is also focusing on providing access to social security schemes and performance-based incentives, which have been shown to significantly improve retention. As the staffing industry in India is projected to grow, addressing these issues will be essential for net job creation and realizing the benefits of the demographic dividend.
Beyond the Headlines
The efforts to retain women in blue-collar jobs highlight broader societal issues related to gender equality and workforce participation. The systemic barriers faced by women, such as inadequate workplace safety and lack of access to social security, reflect deeper cultural and structural challenges. Addressing these issues requires not only corporate initiatives but also policy changes and societal shifts towards gender equality. The success of these efforts could lead to long-term changes in workforce dynamics, promoting a more inclusive and equitable labor market.
