Work Trends & Economic Analysis

Examination of critical workforce and economic trends and issues

The Heldrich Center produces a nationwide survey series titled Work Trends as a key component in distributing research findings. The survey polls the general public on critical workforce issues facing Americans and American businesses in an effort to better understand the public’s attitudes about work, employers, and the government, and to improve workplace practices and policy.

Developing economic strategies that benefit employers and individuals has growing importance among policymakers at all levels. The Heldrich Center has pioneered projects that profile the economic landscape of local and regional areas, identify existing education and training resources, and provide policymakers with needed guidance for supporting key industries and improving the alignment between the workforce needs of the state’s key industry employers and the workforce preparation of potential and current employees. This research helps to ensure that employers have access to the skilled workers they need to compete and thrive, and that workers have access to the right education and training that prepares them for the constantly changing demands of the global economy..