Worker absenteeism and high turnover remain common problems in developing labor markets, even while the unemployment rate is high. In India, the absence rate stands at 8% of worker-days among permanent manufacturing employees, and a majority of unskilled workers continue to be employed in informal casual labor. Researching the behavior of unskilled casual laborers in Odisha, India, Oh has investigated the underlying motivations people have for seeking flexible work arrangements, and she has used this data to see how workers’ demand for flexibility impacts labor supply decisions.

Oh will discuss her research into estimating the share of workers who have demand for flexibility that exceeds what is permitted in a typical formal contract. She will also talk about the reasons that workers demand flexibility, including the role of social duties — and she will discuss what the consequences are for workers who prioritize flexibility.

This public lecture series is organized by the 21st Century India Center at the UC San Diego School of Global Policy and Strategy. For more information on India activities, please visit india.ucsd.edu.