Calidad de empleo en Panamá: evidencia por grupos de edad.

Abstract

Abstract: This research aims to analyze job quality by constructing a composite index to evaluate the working conditions of salaried and self-employed workers. To this end, data from household surveys is used, processed through normalization techniques and differentiated weighting according to occupational category. The job quality index integrates key dimensions such as income level, contract stability, access to social security, and hours worked, which reflect different aspects of job well-being. For salaried workers, greater weight is given to contract stability and social protection, while for self-employed workers, income level and access to social security mechanisms are prioritized, considering the nature of their employment relationship. The results identify significant gaps in job quality between population groups, revealing higher levels of precariousness in certain segments. This approach contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the labor market and constitutes a useful tool for designing public policies aimed at promoting decent work and improving working conditions.