21 Jun Labor market trends highlighted at economic research conference
Each year, C2ER (Council for Community and Economic Research) attracts economic researchers, labor market analysts and other professionals together to discuss best practices in economic and workforce development. We attended this year’s conference in Denver, Co., themed “GenShift,” which analyzed the changing workforce as Millennials and Generation Z become the driving economic force.
Keynote panelists discussed the workplace shift needed to attract millennial talent, including flexible work hours and growth opportunities. The growing disparity of soft skills and written communications were other hot topics. Locally, we’re addressing this gap by offering Working Smart classes, where program graduates receive a certificate recognizing that they have gained the soft skills necessary for the workplace. To assists these job-seekers in their career pathways, we’re advocating to increase the numbers of employers who endorse the certificate in their hiring processes.
Other breakout sessions discussed how to use data to analyze workforce needs, including middle-skills gaps in the workforce, evaluation of career pathways and needs of low- to moderate-income workers. A study presented by Prosperity Now found that most low- to moderate-income workers benefited from financial wellness programs offered by their employers.
With a new arsenal of best practices and inspiration from innovative data tools, we’re working to bring you the latest labor market information for the Charlotte area. Check out the information available to you on our Industry Data website page.