As employers compete for scarce workers, some employees are winning big wage gains

May 6, 2022
On average, wages aren't rising as fast as inflation. But not all workers are getting average raises.
New data show that hourly wages are up by 5.6 percent on average as of March, but employees are demanding more from employers in a strong labor market.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Who is being left out of the conversation when we talk about jobs?

We spoke with Alex Camardelle, director of Workforce Policy at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, for an answer.
"When we look at some of the disaggregated dynamics of the labor market, in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, we recognize that not everybody is doing so well," says Dr. Alex Camardelle of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

The she-cession and she-flation are colliding

Apr 14, 2022
It could affect women's wallets and their participation in the labor market.
For women, the effects of inflation are hitting hard. Women do most household shopping, and their products are often priced higher than comparable items bought by men.
Mandel Ngan/AFP via Getty Images

Labor shortage causes employers to back off drug screenings

Mar 31, 2022
The percentage of American workers testing positive for drugs is at a 20-year high
A large proportion of positive test results are driven by marijuana  positivity, a senior scientist at Quest Diagnostics said.
RapidEye/Getty Images

Hiring is hard. So is keeping the workers you have.

Feb 4, 2022
As companies try to hold on to the workers they have, pay and benefits are on the up and up. That may not be enough.
In a remote work environment, employees may have fewer social connections that may otherwise make them stick around.
Prostock-Studio/Getty Images

What's stopping so many people from heading back to work? It's not just COVID.

Feb 4, 2022
Child care issues and untenable work options play a role.
There are plenty of things holding people back from taking a bevy of available jobs.
Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

This microbusiness owner is riding a roller-coaster

Feb 2, 2022
Running a microbusiness in a pandemic economy is tough. Businesses that rely on human interaction have to be creative to survive.
Amelia Freeman-Lynde, who owns Freeman's Creative in North Carolina, has seen many small businesses suffer hard knocks recently. “It's kind of like, pull yourself up or get out of the game,” she said.
Alex Manness/Courtesy Amelia Freeman-Lynde

For public good, not for profit.

Jobs abundant, workers remain in high demand

Jan 7, 2022
The December Jobs Report will be closely watched for signs that employers added more jobs at the end of 2021.
A "Now Hiring" sign hangs near the entrance to a Winn-Dixie Supermarket in Hallandale, Florida. The need for workers has remained a sign of consistency in the labor market.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Recruiters and hiring platforms are having a busy but challenging time

Jan 4, 2022
They're facing the same labor market gap everyone else is. Employers need to sell themselves more than ever, one recruiter says.
With 11 million job openings and 7 million people searching work, employers are turning to recruiters and hiring sites to help fill worker shortages.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

The freelance economy has grown since the start of the pandemic

Dec 8, 2021
Upwork's latest study found that amid the Great Resignation, more professionals are considering freelance work in the future.
Marketplace's Chris Farrell discusses the future of work and who stands to benefit the most from it.
Ilona Titova via Getty Images