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Problems Affecting Employment <br />Employers were asked to describe six frequently cited problems which may affect employees, <br />marking each one as "major," "minor," or "none." Of the problems described, affordability of <br />housing led the list with 46 percent describing the problem as one of major concern. This top <br />ranking was followed with other problems which were ranked in order of severity. These were: <br />responsibility of a single parent, 46 percent; child care, 31 percent; commuting time to work, 27 <br />percent; responsibility for elderly dependent, 5 percent; and responsibility for handicapped person, 4 <br />percent. <br />Admittedly, the difference between "major" and "minor" is imprecise, and often varies with <br />the respondent. Since there was a large range in the size of the firms polled (from less than 10 <br />employees to over 300), the evaluation was measured in another manner, by scaling the response of <br />firms, in proportion of the number of full-time employees, somewhat like contrasting the <br />representation of states in the U.S. House of Representatives with that of the U.S. Senate. When <br />such weighting is applied the results are altered to show major concerns as follows: responsibilities <br />of single parent, 60 percent; affordability of housing, 49 percent; child care, 45 percent; commuting <br />time to work, 36 percent; responsibilities for elderly dependent, 0 percent. <br />TABLE II <br />( Major) <br />(Minor) (None) <br />The following are sometimes listed Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of Percentage of <br />as problems which affect (24) (24) Employers (24) (24) Employers (24) (24) <br />productivity of the work force. To Employers as as weighted on Employers as as weighted on Employers as Employers <br />what degree would you say that Individuals basis of Individuals basis of Individuals as weighted <br />each affects your employees: a employees for employees for on basis of <br />major problem, a minor problem, specific firm specific firm employees for <br />or none at all? specific firm <br />Affordability of Housing 46 49 46 45 8 6 <br />Commuting Time to Work 27 36 62 63 11 1 <br />Child Care 31 45 60 54 9 1 <br />Responsibilities of Single 43 60 30 35 27 5 <br />Parent <br />Responsibilities for Elderly 5 1 59 87 36 12 <br />Dependent <br />Responsibilities for 4 0 46 85 50 15 <br />Handicapped Person (Self or <br />Dependent - describe) <br />4 <br />