Calling Advocates in Workforce Development
Updated: Oct 1
Many expect to enter the workforce, build a career , climb the ladder, and grow professionally. Yet, life happens and often cuts these hopes short. Challenges like childcare disruptions, unclear leave policies, spouse or partner career priorities, and limited advancement paths can push talented people out of the workforce. This problem not only affects talent professionals but also employers and communities that rely on a stable, skilled workforce.
Join us in attending this important event bringing together employers, educators, and public systems focused on improving workforce development.
Check out our 20th Bi-Annual Return-to-Work Series
Understanding Workforce Instability and Its Impact
Workforce instability is a hidden barrier that many workers face. Even after landing a job, factors outside the workplace can cause interruptions that derail careers. For example:
Childcare disruptions: When childcare falls through, workers may miss shifts or quit jobs.
Leave policies: Unclear or inflexible leave rules make it hard for workers to handle emergencies or health issues.
Transportation barriers: Lack of reliable transport can cause lateness or absenteeism.
Unclear advancement pathways: Without clear steps to grow, workers may feel stuck and leave.
These challenges often hit caregivers hardest. Many caregivers take career breaks or reduce hours to care for family members. When they try to return, they face gaps in their resumes and outdated skills. This creates a cycle where talent is lost or underused.
Employers lose valuable workers, and workers lose income and career growth. Communities miss out on economic benefits. Fixing this requires a new approach to workforce design.
How Employers Can Create Stability and Mobility
Employers play a key role in building a workforce that can stay and grow. Here are some ways they can help:
1. Offer Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible schedules, remote work options, and part-time roles can help workers balance caregiving and job demands. Flexibility reduces stress and absenteeism.
2. Provide Clear Leave Policies
Clear, fair leave policies for family emergencies, health issues, and caregiving help workers manage life events without fear of losing their jobs.
3. Support Childcare Solutions
Employers can partner with childcare providers or offer subsidies to ease the burden on working parents.
4. Create Transparent Career Paths
Clear advancement steps and training opportunities motivate workers to stay and grow. Workers need to see how they can move up.
5. Invest in Skill Development
Offering training in in-demand skills like AI, Agile, Scrum, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing helps workers update their skills and qualify for higher roles.
The Role of Educators and Public Systems
Employers cannot solve workforce instability alone. Educators and public systems must also play a role.
Educators
Design training programs that fit the schedules of working caregivers.
Offer courses that teach skills relevant to today’s job market.
Provide career counseling and support for workers returning after a break.
Public Systems
Improve transportation options to reduce barriers.
Create policies that support paid family leave.
Fund childcare programs accessible to working families.
Examples of Services Supporting Workforce Stability and Growth
Several services help workers overcome instability and build careers. Two examples stand out:
Untapped Potential
Untapped Potential offers career services and STEM skills training for caregivers returning to work. Their programs include training in AI, Agile, Scrum, Data Analytics, and Digital Marketing. This helps caregivers update their skills and find new job opportunities.
This initiative focuses on designing workforce support systems that impacts stability and mobility. It brings together employers, educators, and public systems to create solutions that keep workers employed and growing.
Human Resources play a central role in workforce design
Building a stable and growing workforce requires action from all sides - employers, educators, and those in public policy.
Together, let’s alter the Future of Work
The workforce is changing. More people are caregivers, and many face career gaps. Without support, these workers may never reach their full potential. This hurts individuals, families, and the economy.
By designing systems that create stability and mobility, we unlock untapped talent. Workers can stay employed, grow their skills, and earn more. Employers gain loyal, skilled workers. Communities thrive with stronger economic participation.
Building a workforce that can stay and grow is not easy. It requires cooperation between employers, educators, and public systems. Programs like Untapped Potential provide real examples of how to support caregivers returning to work with new skills.
