Grey Collar

Grey-collar work occupies a unique space between blue-collar and white-collar occupations. Let’s delve into its characteristics:

1. Definition and Qualifications:

   • Grey-collar workers typically hold licenses, associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas from trade schools or technical institutions.

   • Their specialization lies in specific fields, combining technical expertise with managerial responsibilities.

2. Hybrid Nature:

   • Unlike traditional blue-collar jobs (involving manual labor) and white-collar roles (office-based with administrative tasks), grey-collar work blends both.

   • It bridges the gap between hands-on technical skills and the need for managerial oversight.

3. Technical Proficiency and Practical Application:

   • Grey-collar workers emphasize practical knowledge and technical proficiency.

   • They troubleshoot issues, guide less experienced staff, and ensure smooth operations beyond routine tasks.

4. Industry Diversity:

   • Grey-collar roles span various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and information technology.

   • For example, in manufacturing, a grey-collar worker might operate complex machinery or oversee production processes.

These adaptable professionals play a vital role in maintaining efficient operations across diverse industries.

The world of grey-collar jobs in India. These roles bridge the gap between traditional blue-collar and white-collar positions, often combining manual labor with some level of skill or technical expertise. Here’s what we know:

1. Demand Surge:

   • Amid the fading pandemic, there has been a notable uptick in hiring demand for both blue-collar and grey-collar jobs.

   • According to a report by Qjobs, a blue and grey-collar jobs platform, there was a 73% increase in job vacancies during the fourth quarter of FY22 compared to the previous quarter.

   • Increased consumer buying and technological advancements have contributed to this surge.

2. Top Grey-Collar Job Categories:

   • The largest share of jobs for grey-collar talent comes from the following categories:

     • BPO/Customer Care

     • Delivery

     • Data Entry/Back Office

     • Field Sales

     • Retail/Counter Sales

   • These categories together account for over 80% of all available vacancies.

   • In Q4, the retail and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) sectors experienced a sharp rebound in business across the country.

3. Geographical Distribution:

   • The top five cities in India for blue and grey-collar jobs are:

     • Delhi (15% of job share)

     • Bengaluru (14%)

     • Mumbai (13%)

     • Hyderabad (8%)

     • Pune (7%)

   • These cities offer significant opportunities for grey-collar employment.

4. Applicant Profile:

   • Freshers constitute 43% of the applicant pool, while experienced talent with 1-5 years of experience make up 45%.

   • Male job seekers dominate the platform, accounting for 81%, while female job seekers represent 19%.

   • Approximately 57% of all job seekers are graduates or hold higher qualifications, indicating a better quality of grey-collar talent in India.

In summary, grey-collar jobs play a crucial role in our economy, providing employment opportunities to millions of workers. As the demand continues to grow, these roles contribute significantly to India’s workforce landscape.