Report

World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2021

In 2020, an estimated 8.8 per cent of total working hours were lost – the equivalent of the hours worked in one year by 255 million full-time workers. This report provides a comprehensive assessment of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the world of work.

This report analyses global patterns, regional differences, and outcomes across economic sectors and groups of workers. It presents projections for the expected labour market recovery.

The world will emerge from this crisis, but we need to ensure that no one is left behind in the process. To that end, the report concludes with policy recommendations for achieving a broad-based, human-centred recovery.