Employees showing up for work is a problem for many companies, but it’s even worse for companies whose wages are low. Many of the companies that pay the least amount to employees will hire less desirable workers. They ignore infractions that other employers won’t — like past legal difficulties so long as those charges aren’t theft or some pretty awful violent crime. Candidates more qualified — without a criminal background — typically apply for jobs that pay a better wage.
I’m pretty sure even Hugo could get a job at a convenience store/gas station.
Next add in government assistance & childcare…
Food stamps (SNAP), housing subsidies, and Medicaid, aim to support individuals during times of need, but they can create disincentives for work. Even a slight increase in income—say, from picking up additional hours or working the ones they’re scheduled for — results in a disproportionate loss of benefits, leaving the individual worse off financially.
So what happens? They call in or simply don’t show up for their scheduled shifts.
Many low-wage workers, particularly single parents, struggle to find affordable and reliable childcare, making it difficult to commit to a job’s schedule.
On a personal level — opposed to policymakers & employers…
For those covering the shifts (like Perry as management), as well as for those calling in routinely, it’s personal. Some of these employees are living with their kids in a hotel or a camper. While I’m thinking that I can’t understand why they wouldn’t show up so they’d have the money to buy Christmas presents this time of year, they’re thinking they have food, heat and healthcare even if they stay home. It sucks all around, doesn’t it?
So while Perry was pulling a double shift yesterday, I was home to see this:
Thing is, the person that called in with an excuse why they couldn’t come to work is probably seeing that same sky somewhere. They’re just not seeing it out the window of their workplace.
Now you know: A 2023 report from the Brookings Institution noted that in certain states, individuals could receive more in combined benefits than they would earn from a full-time job paying $15 per hour (approximately $31,200/year for 40 hours/week, 52 weeks).