Employment Patterns Research Articles

CHURN: TRANSITIONS OUT OF HEALTH SECTOR EMPLOYMENT FOR LOW-PREPARATION WORKERS, 2017–2022

Abstract Shortages and turnover for front-line paid caregivers and support staff in long-term services and supports for older adults undermine quality of care. These workers are part of the health sector workforce, and also participate in a larger labor market of jobs requiring minimal formal education and brief training. The Brandeis Front-line Health Worker Survey queried a random sample of U.S. residents screened for holding patient-facing jobs in the health sector between the survey date (Summer 2022) and five years prior (2017), generating information on a retrospective longitudinal cross section of US health sector workers. Respondents reporting occupations in Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Zones 1 and 2 were identified as participating in low-preparation labor markets. About half of low-preparation health sector workers reported work in nursing homes, residential settings, or home care. We estimated annual rates of transition into and out of heath sector employment for all low-preparation health workers for years prior to and during the pandemic. Descriptive logistic regressions showed the relationship of job churn to gender, caregiver status, and previous employment pattern. Despite concerns about health workforce stability as the pandemic wound down, low-preparation workers exhibited about the same year-to-year transition rates out of (and back into) the health sector throughout the period. This suggests that the Great Resignation in healthcare is a continuing pattern rather than a pandemic phenomenon. Employers and public policy makers setting wages and working conditions should recognize that front-line workers have, and have always had, alternatives beyond the health sector.

Utilize imagery and crowdsourced data on spatial employment modelling

Background: Spatial employment modeling investigates employment distribution, patterns, influencing factors, neighboring area impact, and regional policy efficacy. Conventional studies often rely on traditional data sources, which may overlook critical employment-related phenomena. In 2022, Java recorded the lowest labor absorption rate in Indonesia, necessitating a new approach.Aim: This study combines imagery, crowdsourced data, and official statistics to identify factors influencing labor absorption in Java Island.Method: Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) was employed to account for spatial effects in the data.Results: The model reveals that nighttime light intensity in urban and agricultural areas, along with environmental quality, significantly enhances labor absorption across Java. Internet facilities, universities, and the number of micro and small industries also positively influence most districts/cities.Conclusion: Incorporating new data sources offers valuable insights for understanding employment patterns and can enrich employment research frameworks.

Early employment after childbirth: a cross-sectional analysis using data from a national maternity survey in England.

Participation in paid work after childbirth may have important health and socioeconomic impacts on women and their families. We investigated women's employment patterns at six months postpartum and the factors that influence them. Using data from a 2018 population-based national maternity survey in England, employment status at six months postpartum was assessed. Logistic regression was used to explore sociodemographic and pregnancy- and birth-related factors associated with being in paid work by six months postpartum. Descriptive analysis was used to explore employment characteristics and motivations of women in paid work. Of the 4313 participants included, 7.7% were in paid work by six months postpartum. Factors associated with being in paid work were age≥35years [(adjusted odd ratios (aOR):1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.02-1.84], not living with a partner (aOR:0.50, 95%CI:0.28-0.90), and pre-term birth (aOR:0.38, 95%CI:0.20-0.69). The most frequently reported motivation was financial need (76%), followed by wanting to work (41%). Financial need was associated with younger age, living in a more socioeconomically disadvantaged area, not living with a partner, and lower education level. Postpartum employment patterns and motivations for working vary according to sociodemographic characteristics. These findings have important implications for parental leave and childcare policies, which should be equitable across different groups.

FOOD PRICE VOLATILITY AND ITS ECONOMIC EFFECTS ON RURAL LABOR MARKETS BY PRODUCT TYPES

Food price volatility is a key concern in global agricultural markets, influencing economic outcomes in both urban and rural areas. In rural labor markets, where a significant portion of households depends on agriculture, the impacts of food price fluctuations are multifaceted. This paper investigates the effects of food price volatility on rural labor markets, focusing on different agricultural product types. We analyze the direct and indirect consequences on employment, wages, income distribution, and migration patterns. The study highlights that the impacts vary across regions and product categories, with staple crops, cash crops, and livestock products exhibiting distinct economic dynamics. Using both theoretical frameworks and empirical data, the paper offers insights into policy strategies that can mitigate the adverse effects of price volatility, fostering more resilient rural labor markets.

Analysis of Changes and Characteristics of Working Life Using the Working Life Table

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to create a labor force life table and analyze the expected life expectancy by age, labor force participation rate, and reasons for leaving the workforce to identify the working period by age. Methods: The research method of this study was to use the life table (2008-2022) and the economically active population survey (2008-2023) published by Statistics Korea, and the life table (2022) and the economically active population survey (2022) published by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare of Japan as research data. The research method was to use the methodology of Wolfbein and Wool to create and compare life tables of Korean and Japanese labor forces. Results: From 2008 to 2023, the increase in life expectancy was 2.84 years for men and 6.13 years for women. The employment preparation period from 2008 to 2023 decreased by 0.25 years for men and 0.96 years for women. In 2022, the life expectancy of Korean men was 44.10 years and that of Japanese men was 45.64 years, a difference of 1.54 years, while that of Korean women was 35.68 years and that of Japanese women was 39.34 years. The participation rate of Korean men was 37.25% in the 15-19 age group and 29.52% in the 20-24 age group, while that of Japanese men was 50.8% in the 15-19 age group and 22.35% in the 20-24 age group. The participation rates of Korean women were 43.63% in the 15-19 age group and 24.31% in the 20-24 age group, and the participation rates of Japanese women were 51.82% in the 15-19 age group and 13.57% in the 20-24 age group. The dropout rate of Korean men increased to 13.76% in the 35-39 age group, and the dropout rate of Japanese men increased to 19.71% in the 45-49 age group. The dropout rate of Korean women increased to 12.0-12.36% in the 25-34 age group, and the labor dropout rate of Japanese women increased to 12.19-13.19% in the 25-34 age group. Conclusions: The labor force life expectancy was longer for men than for women from 2008 to 2023, and the labor force life expectancy increased more for women than for men. The difference in labor force life expectancy between men and women can be attributed to changes in employment patterns and social roles. It is thought that the cause is the policies of the Korean and Japanese governments to encourage women’s participation in economic activities among their policies to respond to the aging population.

Is standard employment contract good for all? The gendered institutional logic of employment in South Korea

In coordinated market economies, nonstandard forms of employment are more common among women than among men. However, the existing scholarly literature devoted little attention to the examination of gendered employment patterns by skill level in newly emerged coordinated economies. This article employs a gender-based approach within the Varieties of Capitalism framework to analyse the effects of gender segmentation across diverse occupational skill levels in South Korea. The findings, derived from workers’ surveys and workplace interviews, indicate that the features of gender segmentation in employment outcomes vary according to skill level. Although the feminist critique on dualisation scenarios is supported, it is evident that the strict employment protection afforded by standard employment contracts does not benefit women uniformly. This discrepancy arises from employers' gendered logic, which is embedded in the country-specific gendered institutional structure of the production regime. The South Korean experience problematises the skill-based approach to dualisation scenarios, underscoring notable divergences from the evidence observed in mature coordinated market economies.

From Classroom to Career: A Tracer Study on The Acchievements and Employment Patterns of BS in Accountancy, BS in Accounting Information System and BS in Entrepreneurship Graduates

This study evaluates the achievements and employment patterns of BS Accountancy, BS in Accounting Information Systems, and BS in Entre-preneurship graduates from Sorsogon State University Bulan Campus (2019-2023). It assesses the extent of Program Educational Objec-tives (PEOs) achievement, analyzes employment rates, and gathers employer feedback on graduates' competencies. Using a descriptive-survey design, data were collected from recent graduates, employers, and notable alumni. Findings indicate high success in achieving PE-Os, strong employment rates, and positive employer evaluations. Recommendations include curriculum updates, enhanced industry partnerships, and expanded career services to further support grad-uate success.

Effect of per Capita Income, GDP Growth, FDI, Sectoral Composition, and Domestic Credit on Employment Patterns in GCC Countries: GMM and OLS Approaches

This paper examines the impact of per capita income, gross domestic product (GDP) growth, foreign direct investment (FDI), sectoral composition, and domestic credit on employment patterns in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries from 2013 to 2023, based on “Okun’s law”. The dynamic data panel was analyzed using the generalized method of moments (GMM) and the ordinary least square (OLS) method. The research findings reveal that the agricultural sector’s contributions have significantly influenced the employment patterns in GCC countries, emphasizing the traditional role of agriculture in creating job opportunities. However, the contribution of the services and industrial sectors has no significant impact on employment patterns. Domestic credit and FDI inflows have significantly influenced employment patterns in GCC countries, underscoring their vital role in sustaining long-term economic stability. Per capita income and GDP growth did not significantly impact the employment pattern in the GCC countries during the study period. This research provides valuable insights to policymakers, highlighting the need to focus on the services and industrial sectors to promote their contribution to employment in GCC countries. The research findings also augment the literature by identifying the key economic indicators contributing to GCC countries’ employment creation.

The Macroeconomic Implications of Automation and AI on Labor Markets and Employment

Artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are developing at an astounding rate, changing labor markets with significant macroeconomic ramifications. This study investigates the macroeconomic effects of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) on labor markets and employment, with a particular emphasis on pay inequalities, employment patterns across industries, job displacement, and shifts in skill demand. AI and automation are changing labor markets, creating new possibilities in tech-driven, high-skilled positions like digital security, data analysis, and AI engineering, but also displacing regular, manual work. Through econometric modeling and industry-specific analysis, this study finds strong relationships between automation levels and changes in employment measures, demonstrating how the advantages of automation are not uniformly dispersed and frequently exacerbate already-existing economic disparities. In order to address these tendencies, the analysis recommends legislative actions that promote fair access to education and training, allowing employees to adjust to the rapidly changing technological environment and guaranteeing that the financial benefits of automation are distributed widely throughout the workforce. These revelations offer a thorough grasp of how automation will influence job markets in the future.

Gender, Paid Employment, and Deindustrialization in New Towns in North-West England, c. 1970–1990s

Abstract Existing research into the deindustrialization that afflicted northern England and Scotland during the twentieth century has focused predominantly on men’s experiences of unemployment and strikes. In contrast, this article examines the relationship between women’s employment and deindustrialization through the lens of three new towns in north-west England. Skelmersdale, Runcorn, and Central Lancashire were established during the 1960s and 1970s, partly with the aim of attracting employers and workers to a region experiencing industrial decline. Competing constructions of women’s work, both paid and unpaid, informed how the towns were planned, managed, and experienced. The new towns widened employment opportunities for female workers, but they did not significantly reshape gender roles because women remained responsible for housework and childcare while men were conceptualized as breadwinners. To explore this contradiction, the article analyses archival material produced by the development corporations that planned the new towns, alongside original oral history interviews conducted with women who lived and worked in them. It argues that even in situations of deindustrialization and rising male unemployment, women’s jobs did not displace men’s. Rather, the new towns represented a continuation of and a departure from existing patterns of employment, demonstrating that state-led urban development was fraught with gendered tensions.

Examining the Influence of Socio-Economic and Demographic Transformation on Employment In the Informal Sector From 2017 To 2020

This study explored the impact of socio-demographic changes on informal sector employment in South Africa from 2017 to 2020. Utilizing data from the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS), descriptive statistics and logistic regression were employed to analyze relationships between age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, and education within the informal workforce. The results revealed significant shifts in employment patterns, particularly affecting youth and marginalized groups. The findings emphasize the vital role of socio-demographic factors in shaping the informal sector and highlight the need for targeted policies to support vulnerable populations and improve their economic opportunities in a fluctuating labor market.

What Explains Iran’s Low Female Labor Force Participation?

That women’s labor force participation in the Islamic Republic of Iran has been consistently low is well known, but explanations vary as to the principal causes. Moreover, many studies examine the female economically active population in aggregate, without sociodemographic distinctions. The puzzle is why women remain under-represented in Iran’s labor force despite high educational attainment, later marriage, smaller family size, and the country’s economic difficulties. Drawing on household surveys by the Statistical Center of Iran, we put the spotlight on the waged and salaried employment patterns of urban married women, who dominate the female labor force, and we compare patterns in two time periods: the economic growth period of 2005–2007 and the economic crisis period of 2017–2020. In examining the structural and institutional factors that explain women’s high unemployment and their tendency to drop out of the labor force following marriage and childbirth, we elucidate the roles of sanctions, economic cycles, declining government recruitment, discriminatory laws, and gendered wage gaps. We also highlight similarities and differences between Iran and other countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Shifting employment and perceptions of household responsibilities during early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nevada, USA.

Employment and household responsibility are critical health determinants. The COVID-19 pandemic altered the work and social landscapes in Nevada, USA through closures of workplaces and schools/childcare centers, changing patterns of employment, and household responsibilities. This study aimed to measure changes in employment status and perceived housework responsibilities among Nevada adults in December 2020, before widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines in a pandemic-affected economy. Using a cross-sectional telephone survey of 1,000 Nevada adults, this study compared respondent experiences and perceptions of employment and time spent on housework in December 2020 to pre-pandemic using multinominal logistic, proportional odds, and logistic models. 70.52% of participants experienced no employment change; roughly 24% reported being fired/laid-off, working reduced hours, or quitting. Chi-square analyses found participants of color more likely than Whites to report being fired/laid-off or working reduced hours (p-value = 0.0005), though these findings were not significant in our models. Participants in the lowest income bracket had higher odds of being fired/laid off (p-value = 0.0030), and participants aged 65+ were less likely to experience employment change (p-value<0.0001). 32.43% of participants reported more time spent on housework. Multivariate analyses showed age is significantly associated with changes in both employment status (p-value<0.0001) and housework time (p-value<0.0001); income is a significant factor for employment status change (p-value = 0.0024). Of those reporting their households spent more time on housework, females were 2.90 times (95% CI = 1.66, 5.05, p-value = 0.0002) more likely to report taking on the additional work. Results demonstrate a disproportionate burden in employment change and/or more perceived household responsibilities on lower income and younger respondents, and females reporting they are more likely to take on additional housework. Understanding systemic vulnerabilities related to employment status and household responsibilities is necessary to aid impacted communities and to plan for future emergencies.

Mother knows best: how working mothers influence gender and racial differences in educational expectations for graduate school

Educational expectations have increased over time in the United States. Most adolescents expect to earn a bachelor’s degree and a graduate or professional degree. Although past research has generally agreed on the status-attainment perspective to understand educational expectations, these frameworks are limited in terms of the type of parental resources they address, as well as inattention to the intersection of gender and race over time. We address these gaps and investigate variations in youths’ expectations for graduate school by mother’s employment status, gender, and race using Monitoring the Future data from twelfth graders from 1976 to 2019. We find that mother’s employment status positively influences women’s graduate school expectations more than men’s across all racial groups we examine with young Black women holding the highest graduate school expectations. We also find that maternal employment patterns graduate school expectations over time but only for White respondents. Black respondents hold higher expectations, but this trend is stable across maternal employment status.

Early employment after childbirth: A cross-sectional analysis using data from the National Maternity Survey in England

BackgroundEarly participation in paid work after childbirth may have long-lasting health and socioeconomic impacts for women and their families, yet there has been little research on women's early postpartum employment behaviours in England since the 2000s. We investigated women's employment patterns within six months of childbirth and the factors that influence them. MethodsUsing data from a population-based national maternity survey in England in 2018, employment status at six months postpartum was assessed. Descriptive analysis was used to explore employment characteristics of women in paid work. Logistic regression was used to explore sociodemographic, pregnancy- and birth-related factors associated with postpartum employment status. FindingsOf the 4313 participants included, 7·7% were in paid work within six months of childbirth. The most frequently reported motivation for being in paid work was needing the money (76%), followed by wanting to work (41%). The median time for (re)entering paid work was 17 weeks (IQR 13–26 weeks) and the median weekly hours worked was 24 (IQR 12–36 hours). The childcare option most frequently reported was the baby's grandparent(s) (47·8%), followed by spouses/partners (44·5%). Maternal age ≥35 years (compared to 30–34 years) was positively associated with being in paid work within six months of childbirth (aOR: 1·37, 95% CI 1·02–1·84), while not living with a partner (aOR 0·50, 95% CI 0·28–0·90), and having a pre-term birth (aOR 0·38, 95% CI 0·20–0·69) were negatively associated with being in paid work within six months. InterpretationThe low prevalence of women in paid employment within six months of childbirth aligns with recent downward trends. Factors associated with early postpartum employment show mixed patterns, however, which may reflect variation in financial pressures and opportunities. Our findings may assist policymakers when evaluating current and future family-based policies such as amendments to state-funded childcare and paid parental leave allowance. FundingThis research is funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Policy Research Programme, conducted through the Policy Research Unit in Maternal and Neonatal Health and Care, PR-PRU-1217-21202. The views expressed are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care. GF is funded by a Clinical Research Fellowship awarded by the Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford.

Regional Workforce Dynamics in West Virginia: Insights from Shift-Share and Location Quotient Analysis

West Virginia, home to approximately 1.77 million residents, has been grappling with significant economic challenges characterized by persistent poverty and sluggish growth. Despite ongoing development efforts, the state’s Gross State Product (GSP) has seen only a modest increase of 0.1% over the past five years, reaching USD 71.7 billion, while the unemployment rate remains at 4.0%. The annualized employment growth rate of 0.7% lags behind the national average, and only about 54% of West Virginia’s adult population is either employed or actively seeking employment, resulting in one of the lowest labor force participation rates in the nation. In contrast, certain industrial sectors, such as healthcare, social assistance, retail trade, and accommodation and food services, have shown intermittent growth at the county and regional levels. To explore the unique characteristics and significance of these regions in relation to employment growth, this study examines regional employment patterns in West Virginia from 2001 to 2020, focusing on the main regions of the state: Metro Valley, Mid-Ohio Valley, New River/Greenbrier Valley, Mountain Lakes, and Potomac Highlands. Utilizing shift-share and location quotient (LQ) analyses, this research identifies the sectors driving regional employment and assesses their performance. Key findings reveal strong sectoral performance in mining, manufacturing, and finance in the Mid-Ohio Valley; wholesale trade, transportation, and utilities in the Metro Valley; agriculture and administrative services in the New River/Greenbrier Valley; agriculture and manufacturing in the Potomac Highlands; and scientific services, healthcare, and utilities in the Mountain Lakes region. Based on these insights, this study recommends targeted policy interventions to address regional disparities, enhance sectors with significant short- and long-term benefits, and foster balanced economic development across the state.

Enhancing Labor Market Participation of Older Adults: Health and Workplace Adaptations

Abstract Background The labor market dynamics for older adults have significantly shifted due to extended life expectancy and evolving socioeconomic conditions. This study examines the prerequisites for older adults to remain longer in the labor market across various European countries, emphasizing the interplay between health status, workplace adaptations, and economic factors. Methods This cross-sectional study analyzed data from several European surveys focusing on older workers. The methodology included logistic regression to evaluate the impact of health status and workplace adaptations on continued employment among older adults. Data were further stratified by country to assess regional differences in employment patterns for this demographic. Results Preliminary results indicate that older adults with access to workplace adaptations-such as flexible working hours and ergonomic interventions-show a significantly higher likelihood of remaining in the labor market (OR = 2.3, 95% CI 1.8-2.9). Additionally, those reporting good to excellent health were 1.5 times more likely to continue working compared to their peers with poor health outcomes. The results also highlight substantial regional variability, with Scandinavian countries showing higher employment rates among older adults compared to Southern European regions. Conclusions The data strongly support the need for policy interventions that promote health maintenance among older workers and encourage employers to implement adaptive measures. Such strategies are likely to enhance the labor market participation of older adults, contributing to economic stability and reducing the potential strain on social security systems. Innovative public health policies aimed at supporting aging workers are crucial for sustaining workforce productivity in the face of demographic shifts. NordForsk supports the study Sustainable working-life for aging populations in the Nordic-Baltic region, Project No.: 139986. Key messages • Workplace adaptations and good health significantly extend working life among older adults. • Regional differences in employment for older workers highlight the need for tailored public health policies.

Job Opportunities in Various Field for Criminology Graduates: Indian Perspective

ABSTRACT The study explores the wide range of career options available to criminology graduates in India, focusing on both traditional fields and emerging ones that have developed due to technological, sociopolitical, and economic changes. Employers in areas such as public policy, corporate security, intelligence, and the criminal justice system are increasingly seeking criminology graduates. In this evolving job market, these graduates face both opportunities and challenges, as employers demand specific skills, practical experience, and real-world knowledge from new candidates. This research provides a thorough analysis of how criminology graduates can adapt to the Indian job market and offers targeted recommendations for curriculum reform, industry collaborations, and government initiatives to enhance employability. Drawing from both international and Indian studies, the paper highlights how technological advancements and contemporary security needs have shaped employment patterns in India’s private sector and its criminal justice system.

The Impact of the Digital Economy on China's Economic Development

Abstract: This paper explores the impact of the digital economy on China's economic development. The digital economy, as a new form of the economy following the agricultural and industrial economies, centres on data resources and modern information networks, driving the digital transformation of all factors of production. The Chinese government places great importance on the development of the digital economy, clarifying its direction and key tasks through policy documents such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for Digital Economic Development". This paper analyses the current state of development of the digital economy in e-commerce, digital payments, and big data applications, and discusses its impact on industrial structure, employment, and consumption patterns. The study shows that the digital economy has promoted the upgrading of traditional industries and the growth of emerging industries, while also bringing about changes in employment structure and innovation in consumption methods. However, it also poses challenges to the job market, which need to be addressed through skills training and educational reform.

The Impact of COVID-19 Shocks on the U.S. Unemployment Rate

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the U.S. labor market, resulting in significant fluctuations in unemployment rates across various demographic and educational groups. This paper examines the trends in unemployment from January 2020 to December 2021, a period characterized by intense economic upheavals due to public health measures and subsequent economic recovery initiatives. Utilizing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the study explores how unemployment rates varied among different racial groups and levels of educational attainment, identifying which groups were most vulnerable to job losses and which experienced more resilient employment patterns. The findings reveal that the pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in the labor market, with particularly severe impacts on Black or African American individuals and those with lower educational levels. The paper also discusses the gradual recovery observed in unemployment rates as the economy began to stabilize, though noting that full recovery was not uniform across all groups and make a conclusion that there are significant differences in the impact of different racial groups and levels of education on unemployment rates. Through this analysis, the research provides insights into the structural weaknesses in the labor market exposed by the pandemic and offers recommendations for targeted policy measures aimed at fostering a more equitable economic recovery. This study contributes to the broader understanding of the economic implications of global health crises and the critical role of inclusive policy interventions in mitigating these effects.