According to TÜİK’s May 2025 data, the unemployment rate has decreased while women’s participation in the workforce has increased. Allservice Board of Directors Chair Ebru Akyüz emphasized that this improvement in employment is promising, but that combating youth unemployment and sustainable policies are essential for permanent success.
Evaluating the May 2025 labor force statistics announced by TÜİK, Allservice Board of Directors Chair and HR Manager Ebru Akyüz stated that they found the decrease in the unemployment rate positive. Drawing attention to the increase observed in women’s employment in particular, Akyüz said, “This increase in women’s participation in the workforce is of critical importance in terms of socioeconomic transformation. However, flexible and sustainable employment models are needed for this picture to become permanent.”
YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT STILL AT CRITICAL LEVEL
According to TÜİK data, the unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 points compared to the previous month in May, falling to 8.4%. The number of unemployed people decreased by 27 thousand people, reaching 2 million 880 thousand people. Ebru Akyüz interpreted this improvement as “the gradual reflections of economic recovery”, and described the fact that youth unemployment remained at 15.0% as “alarming”. Akyüz said, “The fact that young people are disconnected from production threatens not only today but also tomorrow’s qualified workforce.”
WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN THE WORKFORCE IS RISING
While the labor force participation rate was 54.5%, the number of employed people increased to 32 million 920 thousand. Ebru Akyüz emphasized the importance they give to women’s employment as Allservice and said, “We only employ women in our company. We are in favor of women’s employment focused on quality, not just numbers. Contributing to this picture is a strategic responsibility for us.”
RECOVERY IN THE SERVICE SECTOR CONTINUES
According to the data, 58.0% of those employed were in the service sector. Stating that the service sector maintains its leading position in employment, Akyüz said, “Employment is still strong, especially in areas such as cleaning, security, and technical support. However, digitalization and automation are rapidly changing this structure. Investment in a workforce with digital competencies in HR management is inevitable.”
FLEXIBLE MODELS AND EDUCATION-SUPPORTED POLICIES ARE A MUST
Stating that the quality of employment should be increased, Akyüz said, “We should not forget that unemployment is also related to structural problems. Instead of temporary incentives, we should transform the workforce with vocational training programs and flexible working models. Permanent participation of women and youth in employment is only possible in this way,” and shared his solution suggestions.
