Concern about the Effects of the Pandemic Caused by COVID-19 in the Retail Sector in Spain. Differences between Men and Women

Abstract

This study analyzed differences between men and women from a sample of retail workers in their perception of the effects that COVID-19 can have on the workplace. Participants (n = 467) answered an online survey including questions about sociodemographic data and perception of COVID-19. We obtained data throughout October-December 2020. The results showed that participants exhibit deep concern about the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence at the work level. Both genders exhibited deep concern about the pandemic and about how the COVID-19 had affected them at the workplace. However, women have more uncertainty in their work. They have noticed more changes at the psychosomatic level, they are more afraid that their employment situation will be affected by the pandemic, and they consider that their situation will worsen. In conclusion, while the COVID-19 pandemic has similarly affected men and women in terms of their work, expectations about the future effects of the crisis caused by COVID-19 are worse for women than for men.

Keywords

• perception
• economic impact
• COVID-19
• pandemic
• retail sector
• Spain