RAND > Education and Labor > Research Projects >

A male office worker reads files at his desk

American Worker Blog Series

Photo by FotoAndalucia/Adobe Stock

To mark Labor Day 2017, RAND Labor and Population is happy to bring you our second American Worker blog series.

Much has happened since last year. On the labor market front, expansion of the economy has been robust, with two million jobs created in the last 12 months. While average weekly earnings growth has still not completely recovered from the Great Recession, it is on an upward trajectory, hovering close to three percent annual growth (PDF). The unemployment rate (4.3 percent) is approaching historic lows. But the labor force participation rate (the percentage of adults who are economically active) remains more than three percentage points lower than the 2007 rate.

This year, RAND Labor and Population celebrates 50 years of conducting research to improve the quality, productivity, and well-being of the American workforce. There is no better time to examine the state of the workforce, explore the challenges it faces, and assess possible policy solutions.

The fear of job displacement due to automation is on the top of many workers' minds. So it's fitting to start with an exploration of how one innovation, autonomous vehicles, is likely to impact the labor market. Nidhi Kalra discusses the types of jobs that are likely to be displaced by widespread use of autonomous vehicles and the policies that will help mitigate the negative impact.

Kathryn Edwards explores how more young workers are getting help from their parents, particularly in the form of housing. She discusses the factors causing this trend, including decreasing public assistance and high costs of housing, education, and child care.

Finally, Kathleen Mullen and Jeffrey Wenger discuss findings from the American Working Conditions Survey, which was conducted using the RAND American Life Panel. The survey finds that the workplace can be harsh, hostile, and hectic. But it can also be a source of support and satisfaction.

Blog Posts

2017

What Autonomous Vehicles Could Mean for American Workers

Aug 29, 2017

Nidhi Kalra

Autonomous vehicles are projected to hit American roads within the next few years. They promise safer transportation, greater mobility for millions of Americans, and other benefits. But they will also have enormous impacts on the workforce.
Many Americans Face Bullying, Harassment, and Abuse at Work, but Bosses Can Help

Aug 30, 2017

Kathleen J. Mullen @KathleenJMullen, Jeffrey B. Wenger

Workers are experiencing high levels of hostile behaviors at work. Nearly one in five American workers have been subjected to some form of verbal abuse, unwanted sexual attention, threats, or humiliating behavior at work, with younger non-college educated workers bearing the most risk.
Why More Young Workers Are Relying on Financial Help from Parents

Aug 31, 2017

Kathryn Edwards

As today's young adults grapple with a difficult job market, high tuition costs, and rapidly rising rents, parents are increasingly providing financial support and other forms of assistance.

2016

You're Never Too Young to Plan for Retirement

Sep 2, 2016

Jeremy Burke, Angela Hung

Saving early for retirement is critical, but it's also important to stay on track during job changes. Younger workers tend to change jobs often, and if they cash out of their plans with each position, that can affect their long-term savings.
Working for $7.25 an Hour: Exploring the Minimum Wage Debate

Sep 1, 2016

Jeffrey B. Wenger

Raising the minimum wage is likely to change employee and employer behavior in ways that raise efficiency and offset increased costs. But raising it too high may lead to negative effects like reduced sales, outsourcing, and offshoring.
College Education No Panacea for Worker Inequality Woes

Aug 31, 2016

Carter C. Price @CarterCPrice

The earnings gap between high school and college graduates has grown with each generation, but even a college degree does not ensure a good income. Just as the nature of jobs for high school graduates has been changing due to consolidation, trade, and technology, the quality of employment for college graduates is beginning to shift.
Eliminating Jobs or Strengthening the Economy? The Impact of Trade Policies on the American Worker

Aug 30, 2016

Howard J. Shatz @HowardJShatz

The enormous benefits of trade include economic growth, more variety for industry and consumers, and lower prices. But trade can displace some American workers. Training programs, relocation assistance, and wage insurance can help.
Accommodation for Disabled Workers: Knowledge of Rights a Good Start

Aug 29, 2016

Kathleen J. Mullen @KathleenJMullen

With a 36 percent chance of becoming disabled at least once before reaching age 50, it is imperative that workers know their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the resources available to help them.
From the Battlefield to the Boardroom: Transferring Veterans' Skills to the Civilian Labor Market

Aug 26, 2016

Kimberly Curry Hall

The number of returning veterans is expected to grow to 4.2 million over the next decade. This robust talent pool can be an asset to the civilian workforce. Investments in translating veterans' skills, certification and licensing, and comprehensive career counseling can improve this transition.
Living Longer, Working Longer

Aug 25, 2016

Michael D. Hurd, Susann Rohwedder

When people live longer, the costs of Social Security and Medicare increase and threaten the sustainability of these programs. Households also worry about how to finance more retirement years. But people are working longer, and if they continue to do so, they will reduce some of the problems.
Back to Work: Middle-Skill Jobs in the STEM Economy

Aug 24, 2016

Gabriella C. Gonzalez @GabCGonzalez, Robert Bozick

The STEM economy will grow by 17 percent through 2018, with expected job vacancies totaling 2.4 million. Middle-skill STEM jobs that require associate's degrees or occupational certifications—such as computer support specialists, web developers, and engineering technicians—are in the highest demand.
Evolving 21st-Century Workplace and the American Workforce: Trends and Policy Responses

Aug 23, 2016

Lynn A. Karoly, Krishna B. Kumar @kbkumar_

Three trends have important implications for the future of work: a shifting demography toward older workers, more women, and more diversity; continuing technological change that will increase the demand for skilled workers; and increased globalization.
Labor Day Blog Series: American Worker

Aug 22, 2016

Krishna B. Kumar @kbkumar_, Robert Bozick, et al.

To celebrate Labor Day, the American Worker series of commentaries offers research, reflections, and policy insights on a variety of topics that affect American workers.