Dimensions of underemployment and their socio-economic fallout: evidence from agro-industries in Punjab, India

Purpose This paper addresses how various types of underemployment (time-related, income-related and qualification-related) are associated with the socio-economic well-being of executives in Punjab's agro-based industrial sector, providing evidence-based insights to frame organizational and policy-level interventions. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected from 325 middle-level and lower-level executives working in medium- and large-scale agro-based industrial units. The study used linear regression analysis to investigate how different types of underemployment are associated with several aspects of socio-economic well-being, such as economic strain and interpersonal connections. Findings The study found that underemployment is associated with lower socio-economic well-being, though the strength and nature of this relationship differ by type. Income-related underemployment has the most significant negative impact, followed by qualification-related and time-related underemployment. Originality/value By disaggregating underemployment into distinct types and examining their individual socio-economic consequences in a specific regional and sectoral context, the study adds a nuanced understanding to the existing literature. It provides insights for policymakers and groups attempting to address the detrimental effects of underemployment in an industrial setting.