Member Pulse Survey conducted – recovery from the coronavirus spring incomplete
In early summer, while the coronavirus restrictions were still in force, we surveyed how our members were doing, their job situation and feelings with a so-called Member Pulse, an extensive online survey* that received a whopping 21,000 plus responses. Check out the survey results!
The job situation of the survey participants was overshadowed by insecurity and uncertainty about the future, largely due to the impact of the coronavirus. Only 54% of the respondents were in full-time employment and as many as 40% were struggling with lay-offs, irregular employment relationships and unemployment. 35% felt that they were in a difficult situation and estimated the lay-off or unemployment to continue or be very likely.
The uncertain situation was visible in many open responses in the survey, too:
"I got a fixed-term work contract, which is not, however, long-standing and does not solve my challenges."
"7 months left in fixed-term work contract and when that ends, I have no idea where to find/get a new job again."
Coronavirus strained certain groups and sectors
Members in the service, tourism, restaurant and retail sectors as well as in advertising and marketing positions were particularly affected by the impact of the coronavirus. The highest lay-off numbers were reported in the female-dominated tourism and hospitality sector, advertising and marketing as well as retail. Of age groups, young people under 35 were highlighted in those laid off and older people over 55 in those unemployed.
“The coronavirus situation has of course affected every Finn, but as our survey shows, lay-offs and redundancies have hit certain sectors particularly hard. The outlook for employees in the autumn is also more uncertain in those sectors”, says YTK’s Communications Director Ilona Kangas.
Financial situation reflected in feelings
Approximately one third (29%) of the respondents stated that their financial situation was poor. This was particularly the case for the unemployed, those laid-off, students, part-time employees and in sectors badly affected by the coronavirus. However, the majority of the respondents said that they were doing quite well (58%) or well (13%) financially. This was the case for highly educated members in a good job position or full-time employment in sectors not significantly affected by the coronavirus.
As expected, the uncertainty about work and financial situation was reflected in the respondents’ feelings:
- About 70% described their feelings about the job situation as good, while about one third said that they felt bad.
- The youngest members, aged 18-24 years old, had a slightly worse feeling about their work situation than other age groups.
- The majority of full-time employees feel good or quite good, whereas only 43% of those laid-off or unemployed say the same.
Members in the service, tourism, restaurant and retail sectors as well as in advertising and marketing positions were particularly affected by the impact of the coronavirus. Their feelings were also below average.
Trust in the future put to the test
The labour market appears insecure to those involved in the survey. People are very uncertain about their own job situations and do not expect this to significantly improve within the next six months. Approximately 60–65% of the respondents have a fairly stable job situation, while 35–40% are affected by lay-offs, irregularity of work or unemployment.
“The coronavirus causes uncertainty, so I cannot be sure if my employment will continue in the autumn. Without the virus, it would continue.”
"I might find some temporary jobs in the summer, but autumn is a big question mark for me."
*About the Member Pulse Survey
The first round of the Member Pulse Survey was conducted as an online survey from 26 to 31 May 2020, with 21,715 members responding. Thank you to everyone who participated!
Member surveys are part of normal looking after and caring for our members, although the importance of support and security been particularly emphasised during the coronavirus outbreak. Through member surveys and feedback, we are able to anticipate and better meet the needs of our members, as well as to further develop our operations.
