What Is Underemployment?

Explore the comprehensive definition of underemployment, including its causes, examples, and overall impact on the economy and individuals.

Underemployment is a measure of the number of people in an economy who are working in jobs that do not fully utilize their skills, qualifications, or availability. It often includes individuals in part-time or low-paid positions because they cannot find jobs that match their professional skills and aspirations.

Causes of Underemployment

Economic Factors

Economic downturns, recessions, and structural changes in industries can lead to a mismatch between available jobs and workers’ skills.

Educational Mismatches

A surplus of graduates in certain fields can result in individuals taking jobs that do not require a degree to avoid unemployment.

Geographic Constraints

Individuals may be forced to accept lower-skilled jobs due to the unavailability of suitable positions within a reasonable commuting distance.

Labor Market Inefficiencies

Inefficient job-matching processes and information asymmetries can keep qualified individuals from finding proper employment.

Types of Underemployment

Visible Underemployment

This refers to workers who are employed in part-time or temporary jobs but seek full-time or permanent work.

Invisible Underemployment

Workers may have full-time jobs that do not fully utilize their skills or provide adequate compensation.

Examples of Underemployment

• Part-Time Professionals: A professional with a master’s degree working as a barista because they cannot find a job in their field.
• Overqualified Workers: An engineer working as a technical support agent due to lack of openings in engineering positions.

Impact of Underemployment

Economic Impact

Underemployment can lead to a reduction in overall economic productivity, lower consumer spending, and decreased economic growth.

Social Impact

Prolonged underemployment often contributes to financial strain, lower job satisfaction, mental health issues, and a lower quality of life for affected individuals.

Long-term Career Impact

Skills erosion and stalled career progression can result from long periods of underemployment, making it harder for individuals to secure suitable employment in the future.

Comparisons and Related Terms

Unemployment vs. Underemployment

While unemployment measures the percentage of the labor force that is jobless but actively seeking work, underemployment captures those who are working but not to their full capacity or potential.

Full Employment

An economic condition where all individuals willing and able to work at prevailing wage rates have access to employment that suits their skill levels.

FAQs

How is underemployment measured?

Underemployment is typically measured through surveys that ask about work hours, job satisfaction, and whether the respondents feel their skills are being fully utilized.

Can underemployment affect economic indicators?

Yes, underemployment can skew economic indicators such as GDP, as it often results in lower productivity and economic contributions than full employment.

Is underemployment more common in certain industries?

Underemployment can be more prevalent in sectors with volatile demand, such as retail and hospitality, or in regions experiencing rapid industrial changes.

References

1. International Labour Organization: [Link to resource]
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: [Link to resource]
3. Economic Policy Institute: [Link to resource]

Summary

Underemployment is a critical aspect of the labor market, reflecting inefficiencies where individuals are unable to find jobs that utilize their skills and offer sufficient working hours. Understanding the causes and impacts of underemployment is essential for crafting policies that enhance job matching, economic productivity, and the well-being of the workforce.