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International Journal of
Population Studies Atypical workers and COVID-19

reliance on temporary employment could exacerbate job Our regional analysis highlights the varying effects
security and worker mental health issues, highlighting the of COVID-19 on atypical employment across different
need for comprehensive safety and support measures. areas. The findings indicate that MENA countries have
seen a notable rise in temporary employment during
Contrary to expectations, sectors such as hotels and
restaurants, retail, IT, and transport did not experience the pandemic. Conversely, firms in Africa and Europe
experienced a reduction in their temporary workforce
the anticipated reduction in their temporary labor force. throughout COVID-19. The actions of public authorities
This outcome was surprising, given the assumption that varied across regions during the pandemic, influencing
companies in these sectors would be more inclined to the resilience of businesses in each area. In Asia,
cut temporary positions. Maria del Rio-Chanona et al. governments quickly implemented strict measures,
(2020) identified significant supply and demand shocks including quarantines and travel restrictions, along with
across various sectors due to the pandemic. They found rapid economic support measures such as subsidies and
that sectors like transport were likely to be constrained preferential loans, which helped businesses maintain
by demand shocks, while manufacturing, mining, and operations and liquidity. Similarly, although lockdown
services industries were more affected by supply shocks. measures were implemented later in Europe, governments
The entertainment, restaurant, and tourism sectors were launched massive financial support programs for affected
particularly vulnerable and faced substantial shocks on the businesses. In contrast, North America’s response to
supply and demand sides. At the occupational level, they lockdowns and economic policies varied by state, creating
noted that high-wage occupations were relatively insulated uneven business conditions. Economic support programs
from these shocks, whereas low-wage occupations were were available but sometimes challenging for some
more susceptible. The observed result, where some sectors businesses. In Latin America and Africa, governments
did not reduce their temporary labor force, is striking, faced greater difficulties in providing adequate economic
given the expected downturns in these industries. Several support for businesses due to less developed economic
factors may explain this outcome in the case of hotels and institutional systems, which influenced the resilience
and restaurants, retail, IT, and transport. For instance, of businesses in each region (Karam et al., 2022; WHO’s
the initial expectations of a reduction in the temporary Annual Report, 2021).
workforce could have been based on the anticipated severe
disruptions; however, these sectors might have adapted 4.1. Policy recommendations
by shifting toward more flexible work arrangements, such Our study highlights the urgent need to address the
as remote work in IT or e-commerce solutions in retail. mismatch between workforce education and the skills
Such actions could have helped these sectors maintain or required for atypical jobs, particularly during crises like the
even increase their reliance on temporary labor to manage COVID-19 pandemic (Ibourk, 2021; Ibourk & Elouaourti,
fluctuating demands and operational changes. 2023; Krishnamoorthy & Keating, 2021; Pizzinelli &

Furthermore, the demand for certain services, such as Shibata, 2023). Governments and educational institutions
IT support for remote work infrastructure or increased should collaborate to develop and expand vocational
online retail, may have offset the expected reductions. and technical training programs to enhance workforce
While facing reduced demand for passenger services, resilience (Soomro et al., 2022) and ensure alignment
the transport sector might have seen increased logistics with industry needs (ILO and The World Bank, 2021).
and delivery services activity, again necessitating a These programs must be closely aligned with the evolving
temporary workforce. The complexity and dynamism industry demands. In addition, firms should implement
of these industries, coupled with the initial uncertainty continuous professional development programs that
surrounding the pandemic’s impact, could have led firms enable employees to upskill and reskill, ensuring they
to maintain a flexible labor force to adapt to changing remain adaptable to changing job requirements.
conditions quickly. This outcome highlights the Labor market regulations significantly impact the
nuanced nature of economic shocks and the importance dynamics of temporary employment during pandemics
of sector-specific dynamics in determining labor (Dütsch, 2022). Policymakers should streamline labor
market outcomes. Broad trends can indicate general market regulations to balance workforce flexibility with
vulnerabilities; however, individual sector responses can job security, allowing for more flexibility in employment
vary significantly based on a range of factors, including contracts, especially during crises (Davoine, 2023).
the ability to pivot business models, the critical nature Ensuring adequate job security measures is crucial. For
of services provided, and the overall adaptability of the small firms, targeted policy measures are essential to reduce
workforce. regulatory constraints, enabling them to create more

Volume 11 Issue 5 (2025) 67 https://doi.org/10.36922/ijps.3575