Institute research focuses on labor markets by addressing several core areas: the causes of unemployment and the effectiveness of social safety net programs in mitigating its effects; education and training systems to improve workers’ employability and earnings; and the influence of state and local economic development policies on local labor markets. The Institute also assesses emerging trends affecting workers and labor markets in its core research areas.
Topics
- Job Quality & Economic Security
- Social Insurance & Safety Net
- Education & Workforce Development
- Economic Development
Resources
Our research explores not just the number of jobs, but also the quality of those jobs and how well they support stable households and communities.
Examinations of social safety net programs are central to the Upjohn Institute’s mission to address causes and solutions to unemployment. Our research assesses effectiveness of current social insurance programs and explores other strategies to keep people in stable jobs and minimize the effect of economic downturns.
Building and maintaining skills for the labor force is a lifelong process, starting with prekindergarten programs and continuing throughout a worker’s career. The Upjohn Institute’s research elucidates how each learning stage and program contributes to a strong workforce.
Upjohn Institute research offers insight into specific industries and the labor market as a whole, from locally to nationally and internationally and from both the supply and demand sides. Focal areas include manufacturing, tax incentives and regional collaboration.
The W. E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research's Center for Workforce Innovation and Solutions (CWIS) manages employment and training services in southwest Michigan. Through collaborative partnerships and a comprehensive, intersectional approach, CWIS strives to develop and implement high quality services and systemic changes that result in positive impacts for both workers and employers.
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Michigan Works! Southwest manages federal and state programs that prepare the workforce to meet the current and emerging needs of business and industry. Through fostering collaborative partnerships, its team is dedicated to continuous improvement and meaningful transformations in the people, businesses, and communities it serves.
The Employer Resource Network® collaborates with employers, non-profits, community colleges, and the public sector to provide individualized services aimed at improving employee retention and productivity. ERN transforms companies, employees, and communities through its onsite Success Coaching model, the support and growth of existing ERNs, the development of new networks, peer learning across all partners, and evaluation to demonstrate high impact.
Pulse collaborates with key partners to ensure resources are available for providing equitable access to early childhood development experiences, to create and improve learning environments, and to promote the healthy development of children. The foundational belief is that when children thrive, the entire community benefits.
Overseen by Michigan Works! Southwest, Neighborhood Employment Hubs provide comprehensive employment services to residents in marginalized communities in Battle Creek, Michigan. Customized employment services include community service, job placement, employability skills building, or training opportunities.
