If you look at headlines, you’d think that the number one reason unemployed people turn down jobs is that they are getting massive unemployment payments.
For example, Poll: 1.8 million Americans have turned down jobs due to unemployment benefits and ‘The Rundown’: Millions of Americans turned down jobs because of increased unemployment benefits. And this is definitely a problem. (Working, even for less than unemployment, leads to more options later, an increase in self-esteem, and other benefits.)
They are drawing this data from a new survey from Morning Consult, a business intelligence firm, gives some insight into why unemployed people turn down job offers. But, they are skipping over the number one reason: Lack of child care.
To keep reading, click here: The Number 1 Reason the Unemployed Turn Down Jobs
Well, yes, childcare was the #1 reason at 13.8%, but, receiving enough unemployment was at 13%, which is not all that big a difference.
If unemployment payments went away (and I am certainly not suggesting or arguing for that; unemployment at one time in my life was the primary support that got me through), and assuming that recipients would then go to work, that would mean an immediate increase of 13% in available workers.
Can’t tell that from the article as the reasons add up to more than 100% so clearly people could choose more than one option.
Lists aside, the main reason people aren’t rushing to get jobs has more to do with both the wages offered (barely more than just above minimum wage) and no changes to demands on the workers in the workplace. One would think by now (it has been almost a year and 4-5 months) major businesses have had plenty of time to revamp their business operation to know exactly how they can operate the business and keep their employees. But most businesses are planning to return to pre-pandemic work expectations with minimal flexibility in schedules adaptations despite the fact that most office-type jobs can be done both in office and WFH. It is worst for any retail-type jobs that are also in front-facing roles, who have to deal with extremely demanding overly impatient customers with only minimum wage pay.
For all the posturing about creating better paying jobs that include diversity,etc, demanding by the government, major businesses have not created jobs at all.
Child care has always been a major issue but as the Baby Boom generation ages, I can foresee elder care becoming another issue keeping people (mainly women) out of the workplace. I honestly think caring for my elderly grandmother with dementia kept my mother out of the workplace because she started going downhill right around the time I became more independent as a child. And APS policies can lead to this (I’ve heard stories of children being threatened with neglect charges because they have to leave a sickly parent alone while they work and cannot afford home healthcare).
Around the world, the pandemic has spurred businesses to undergo major transformations. How does this spell a geographical and competitive advantage for HCM solutions consultants and resellers? https://www.peoplehum.com/blog/gaining-geographical-advantage-through-partnerships