What's Happening?
Quess Corp, a staffing and workforce solutions provider, is focusing on retaining women in blue-collar jobs to stabilize the workforce. According to Guruprasad Srinivasan, CEO of Quess Corp, retaining women is crucial for India to leverage its demographic dividend. A report by Quess Corp and The Udaiti Foundation highlights that 52% of women with less than one year of experience plan to leave their jobs within the next year. The study surveyed over 10,000 women in various sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, retail, and services. Despite projections that the blue-collar workforce will account for 70% of employment by 2030, women's participation has only increased marginally from 16% in FY21 to 19% in FY24. Quess Corp has introduced measures such as female liaison officers, housing for migrant women, and DASH, a mobile financial product offering salary advances, to address retention issues.
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Why It's Important?
The retention of women in blue-collar jobs is vital for economic growth and workforce stability. Women leaving the workforce due to family responsibilities, pregnancy, and health challenges can hinder economic progress. The report suggests that access to social security schemes and performance-based incentives can significantly improve retention rates. Married women with provident fund access are three times more likely to remain employed, and performance incentives can boost retention up to seven times. Addressing systemic barriers and improving job quality, equal access, and long-term employability are essential for economic development. The involvement of women in the workforce leads to community benefits, such as improved healthcare and education.
What's Next?
Quess Corp plans to continue implementing strategies to improve retention rates among women in blue-collar jobs. The company aims to dismantle systemic barriers that prevent women from entering the workforce. Future efforts may include enhancing workplace safety, transportation, and proximity to residence. The focus will be on job quality and long-term employability rather than just job creation. As the staffing industry in India is projected to grow significantly, addressing attrition will be crucial for net job creation in the formal sector.
Beyond the Headlines
The report underscores the importance of addressing cultural and systemic barriers that hinder women's participation in the workforce. By improving retention rates, companies can contribute to gender balance and diversity in the workplace. The cascading effect of women's earnings on community development highlights the broader societal impact of workforce inclusion. Ensuring compliance with social security schemes and performance incentives can lead to sustainable employment and economic growth.
