Everyone around the world has been effected by the COVID-19 pandemic one way or the other. Women and teenagers face a unique challenge in landing jobs and maintaining them during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Teens
A study from Drexel University’s Center for Labor Markets and Policy examined teen employment rates for the summer months of 2020. The rates were compared to previous years. As a steady improvement for teen employment was noted since 2008, one-third fewer teens are expected to work due to COVID-19 business shutdowns. Teenagers typically work in retail, which was one of the hardest hit industries.
Before the 2008 recession, teen employment hovered around 32.4% until the crash dropped numbers to 28.5% in 2009. As the economy recovered throughout the years, teen employment was expected to be at its highest in 2020: 32.8%. However, employment for teens is now estimated to be even lower than 2008 at 22.8%.
More than one in four Americans who have lost income have experienced a complete loss of income during the pandemic so far.
Women
Women are now more active in the workplace than ever before in history. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted this progress significantly.
In the UK, women make up 58% of the retail industry, about 56% hospitality, and the majority of the beauty industry. With these industries hit hardest from shutdowns due to the Coronavirus, women face issues surrounding loss of income, childcare, and uncertainty for financial security.
According to a study from the International Monetary Fund, women were less able to work from home compared to men. This is likely due to women most often working in service industries requiring them to show up to work. As a result, women were more likely to be laid off. With the threat of COVID-19 resulting in some businesses closing their doors for good, plus automation replacing human workers, female staff will be most affected.
COVID-19 has been stressful for all humans, with families and individuals having their own story. With bad news circulating everywhere, it is tough to have a positive outlook on the future. As a society, we must remain vigilant in our fight against the Coronavirus disease while supporting each other in business any way we can. Understanding the causes and effects can help us pull together the resources needed to make a positive turn back to normal.
