If you think the main reason women quit their jobs is because of unequal pay, think again.
A recent study by digital youth engagement platform Year13 has uncovered a disturbing trend: twice as many young women than men are leaving their jobs due to customer abuse.
Customer Abuse: The Silent Epidemic
According to the study, one in eight teenage girls and young women have been driven out of a job because of customer abuse. “It’s shocking to see so many young workers, especially women, being subjected to verbal abuse and condescending behavior,” says Year13 co-founder Saxon Phipps.
Financial Independence, or a Ticket to Abuse?
Many young Aussies take on their first casual job for financial independence, but it’s these customer-facing roles that are leaving them vulnerable to threats and abuse. Two in five young Aussies scored a job with a large supermarket or fast-food chain, while 36% said their first paying gig was at a cafe or pub.
Real-Life Horror Stories
Maddy, 19, quit her job at a cafe chain due to the constant verbal abuse and condescending behavior from customers. “The stress and anxiety it caused every day was unbearable,” she says. Vonnie, 21, left jobs due to poor communication, while Ellie Kate, 22, quit her recruitment job because she was done with the stress.
It’s Not Just Abuse: Women Are Leaving Due to Stress Too
It’s not just customer abuse that’s driving young women out of their jobs. Stress is another major culprit. Kelsie Grace, 25, quit her marketing job because she was “burnt out,” and now works as a barista. “I can come home, earn my money, and do other fun things without feeling guilty,” she says.
Why Are Women Quitting at a Higher Rate Than Men?
Recruitment expert Roxanne Calder believes that women are quitting at a higher rate than men due to a lack of confidence. “Men are better at winging it,” she says. Women are more likely to resist negative feedback, struggle to regain confidence after mistakes, and are even less likely to apply for jobs in the first place because they don’t feel qualified.
The Takeaway
The study’s findings are a wake-up call for employers to take action and protect their young workers from customer abuse and stress. It’s time to create a safer, more supportive work environment that allows everyone to thrive.