The State of the American Worker

The U.S. economy is in a state of flux. Employers have steadily added jobs since 2010, but wage growth has remained sluggish and the gap between the highest and lowest earners keeps widening. Technological change and globalization have been double-edged swords for different workers.

In this Events @ RAND podcast, a panel of RAND's top analysts discuss emerging trends in the labor market and policy options to address inequality and jobs of the future.

Featured Speakers

James Hosek

Senior Economist, RAND Corporation; Editor, RAND Journal of Economics; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Kathleen Mullen

Senior Economist and Associate Director, Economics, Sociology and Statistics Department, RAND Corporation; Director, RAND Center for Disability Research; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Garrett Reim (moderator)

Reporter, Los Angeles Business Journal

Krishna Kumar

Director, RAND Labor and Population; Distinguished Chair in International Economic Policy and Senior Economist, RAND Corporation; Professor, Pardee RAND Graduate School

Carter Price

Mathematician, RAND Corporation

Learn More

Exploring the Challenges Facing American Workers
Sep 15, 2017

A panel of experts at RAND discussed changes in the U.S. economy and findings from a survey that asked more than 3,000 Americans about issues they face in the workplace. Frequent hostility, rising inequality, slow wage growth, and changes in the demand for certain skills are some of the issues affecting workers.
Why More Young Workers Are Relying on Financial Help from Parents
Aug 31, 2017
Kathryn A. Edwards @keds_economist

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.
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.
American Working Conditions Survey
Aug 14, 2017

How do Americans perceive their workplace? RAND's American Working Conditions Survey shows workers find their jobs physically demanding, hazardous, and hectic—but also social and supportive, and many retirees would prefer to return to work.