Automation, trade disruption, and the growth of the information economy have all put pressure on American businesses and the American workforce. Factoring into this environment are the risks and opportunities posed by new technology and generative AI platforms like ChatGPT, which are accelerating the pace of change and reimagining the future of work. Young Americans are finely attuned to these issues. Legislators can ensure their communities are prepared for the disruption — creating pathways to new jobs, while also taking care to address the needs of young people entering the workforce, and others already in it.
2022 Future of Work Advisory Council
The Advisory Council was organized for members to share their experiences, expertise, and approaches to initiatives appropriate for their state. Participation does not imply support of all approaches.
Too many students are graduating college without a job offer that adequately covers their student debt, and with skills that don’t match the available employment opportunities. Policymakers have an opportunity to evaluate labor market conditions and the needs in their states to identify solutions that better align both workers and businesses. This can mean providing routes to high-quality jobs, by supporting increased coordination between higher education institutions and industry to ensure recent graduates’ employability and marketable skills. These strategies better align workforce needs and opportunities. Strengthening talent pipelines for emerging industries supports both workers and businesses.
A shortage of accessible and affordable childcare can limit workers with families from entering or returning to the workforce. Numerous studies have shown that access to childcare is an important factor in female labor force participation in the United States. Single mothers, in particular, are the most likely to drop out of the labor force if they cannot find adequate childcare.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the inequities that still exist in access to high-speed connectivity, as well as the skills to navigate the digital world. Broadband access is necessary for students, workers, and businesses.
Artificial intelligence is now ubiquitous with potential applications across almost all sectors. There are extensive opportunities to foster government innovation and adoption of AI, while also ensuring regulatory structures are in place for this rapidly growing technology. Efforts are also needed to support and upskill displaced workers, as well as invest in the supply chain to ensure the United States has the computing power to compete globally.
New business grows the economy — and fortunately, over half of Gen Z indicate they want to start their own company. However, there can be multiple hurdles to achieving this goal. Removing barriers to starting a business and providing incentives and financial support for innovation can support entrepreneurs and small businesses.
States that are struggling with the loss of skilled workers are looking for ways to make rural and aging areas more appealing. Some states have sought to combat this by investing in their educational institutions or in revitalization efforts. Lawmakers are working in bipartisan ways to develop the right tax incentive structures — properly balancing the funding obligations of states with the desire to create an appealing tax situation for current or potential residents and businesses.
While some states are working to keep workers in the state to prevent brain drain, others are hoping to attract new workers across state lines. As remote work increases, workers are more mobile and tend to work without strict state boundaries, which can be limited by state licensure requirements. Updating these requirements and building in reciprocity with other states are ways that policymakers are adapting to the future of work.
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