What's Happening?
Quess Corp, a staffing and workforce solutions provider, emphasizes the critical need to retain women in blue-collar jobs to ensure workforce stability. According to Guruprasad Srinivasan, CEO of Quess Corp, India cannot fully leverage its demographic dividend if half of its population remains outside the workforce. A report by Quess Corp and The Udaiti Foundation reveals that 52% of women with less than one year of experience plan to leave their jobs within the next 12 months. The study, which surveyed over 10,000 women in blue- and grey-collar roles, highlights the challenges faced by women in sectors such as logistics, manufacturing, retail, and services. Despite the projected growth of the staffing industry in India, reaching $49 billion by 2033, high attrition rates threaten net job creation. The report suggests that access to social security schemes and performance-based incentives can significantly improve retention rates among women.
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Why It's Important?
The retention of women in blue-collar jobs is crucial for achieving workforce stability and economic growth in India. As the blue-collar workforce is expected to account for 70% of all employment by 2030, the marginal increase in women's participation from 16% in FY21 to 19% in FY24 is concerning. High attrition rates among women, driven by factors such as family responsibilities and health challenges, further limit the pool of job-ready female workers. Addressing these issues is essential for enhancing job quality, equal access, and long-term employability. The report underscores the broader societal benefits of women's employment, including improved healthcare and education in communities. Companies must focus on dismantling systemic barriers and providing supportive measures to retain women in the workforce.
What's Next?
To address the high attrition rates among women in blue-collar jobs, Quess Corp has implemented several retention measures. These include deploying female liaison officers at manufacturing sites, providing housing for migrant women, and offering DASH, a mobile-based financial product for salary advances. The report suggests that companies need to go beyond compliance and address additional factors such as workplace safety, transportation, and proximity to residence. By focusing on these areas, businesses can improve retention rates and contribute to a more stable and inclusive workforce.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights the ethical and cultural dimensions of workforce participation, emphasizing the need for systemic change to support women's employment. The cascading effect of women's earnings on community development, through demands for better healthcare and education, illustrates the broader impact of gender-balanced workforce participation. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes policy changes, corporate responsibility, and societal support.
