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Employment and Unemployment

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An individual's education, age, and health status may present barriers or opportunities to employability, just as a region's economy, tax base, and number of immigrants and emigrants may affect job availability. RAND research examines the impact of a range of policies and forces—personal, regional, and global—on employment and unemployment.

Report

U.S. Workplace Is Physically and Emotionally Taxing

Aug 14, 2017

Americans face unpleasant and potentially hazardous working conditions, physical exertion, unstable schedules, and have to work during their free time. Despite these challenges, they have some autonomy, most feel confident about their skill set, and many receive social support on the job.
Report

More Research Would Inform Innovative Approaches to Veteran Employment

Aug 22, 2016

While the aim of veteran employment programs is to help veterans transition to civilian jobs, their impact is unclear. RAND hosted two workshops to recommend improvements to veteran employment opportunities and identify research gaps.

Explore Employment and Unemployment

Report

Building a Sustainable STEM Workforce in Appalachia

The tristate region of Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia needs more workers with STEM skills to fill jobs in the energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. The Appalachia Partnership Initiative is investing in education and workforce development programs to meet the demand and build a STEM ecosystem for the future.

Oct 12, 2017
Report

Report

Digital learning: Education and skills in the digital age

The report gives an overview of an expert consultation on the role and future of education and skills in the digital world, and how we need to adapt current structures to keep up with digital developments.

Oct 11, 2017
Journal Article

Journal Article

The Recent Occupation and Industry Employment Patterns of American Veterans

In examining the employment patterns of American veterans, this study finds a tendency for veterans to work in civilian fields that align with technical military functions..

Oct 4, 2017
Journal Article

The Effect of Job Loss on Health: Evidence from Biomarkers

Our results suggest that layoffs and business closure have truly distinct effects on health.

Oct 4, 2017
Journal Article

Journal Article

Transforming Employment Support for Those with Mental Health Problems

In this essay, we look at what the evidence base around interventions is and see what types of options that policymakers could consider.

Sep 21, 2017
Blog

Exploring the Challenges Facing American Workers

A panel of experts at RAND discussed changes in the U.S. economy and findings from a survey which 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.

Sep 15, 2017
Multimedia

The State of the American Worker

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.

Sep 12, 2017
Essay

What Happens When RAND Rethinks Its Workspace

In an economy that increasingly values ideas over tasks, companies are breaking down office walls, scrapping the idea of a nine-to-five, and doing away with cubicles. A RAND project shows how a modern workspace can be conducive to both collaboration and individual work.

Sep 5, 2017
Commentary

Why More Young Workers Are Relying on Financial Help from Parents

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.

Aug 31, 2017
Commentary

Many Americans Face Bullying, Harassment, and Abuse at Work, but Bosses Can Help

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.

Aug 30, 2017
Commentary

What Autonomous Vehicles Could Mean for American Workers

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.

Aug 29, 2017
Report

Report

Hispanic Representation in the Department of Defense Civilian Workforce: Trend and Barrier Analysis

Hispanics are less represented in the Department of Defense civilian workforce than in the federal civilian workforce and the civilian labor force. This report assesses what factors might account for Hispanic underrepresentation in the department.

Aug 28, 2017
Journal Article

Journal Article

The Immediate Hardship of Unemployment: Evidence from the U.S. Unemployment Insurance Program

This paper uses a unique administrative database collected by the U.S. Department of Labor from 2002-09 to examine whether reservation wages fall as workers wait longer to apply for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits.

Aug 22, 2017
Commentary

Why the IPS Success Story Needs to Be Unpicked

The Individual Placement and Support model, which helps people with severe mental illness gain employment, has been a major statistical success. Why does it work and how it might be applied to other vulnerable populations?

Aug 15, 2017
News Release

News Release

American Workplace Is Physically and Emotionally Taxing; Most Workers Receive Support from Boss and Friends at Work

The American workplace is taxing, with workers facing unstable work schedules, unpleasant and hazardous working conditions, and an often hostile social environment. But American workers have a certain degree of autonomy on the job, feel confident about their skill set, and receive social support while on the job.

Aug 14, 2017
Project

American Working Conditions Survey

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.

Aug 14, 2017
Research Brief

More Than Half of Retirees Would Return to Work

Overall, older workers report having more meaningful work and more workplace flexibility than their younger peers. And more than half of retirees would return to work under the right conditions.

Aug 14, 2017
Tool

The American Working Conditions Survey Data: Codebook and Data Description

This codebook describes the content and structure of the American Working Conditions Survey data (AWCS) which was fielded on the RAND American Life Panel (ALP) in 2015.

Aug 14, 2017
Research Brief

How Do Americans Perceive the Workplace?

For many Americans, the workplace is hectic, hazardous, and physically demanding. But many retirees would still consider rejoining the workforce if the right opportunity came along.

Aug 14, 2017

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