Minnesota struggles with two issues.
And beautifully, each can solve the other.
We have a significant worker shortage, while also holding one of the nation’s worst records for racial disparities in employment, income and wealth gaps.
Minnesota’s workforce issues are both human and economic. WorkWell MN has strategies that solve for both issues at this historic moment of investment, bringing non-profits, lawmakers, employers, and funders together to create regional economies that work—for everyone.
Issue #1: Our economy will not grow unless we find a large volume of new workers.
Depending on the source, Minnesota is short of well over 200,000 workers. We’ve been seeing a workforce shortage issue looming for over a decade and yet it’s hard to invest in solutions when you’re not feeling the pain of the problem. Today, employers are feeling the pain.
Some larger companies attempt to bridge the gap by creating internal job training programs. While helpful, these efforts have mixed results and tend to be insular. WorkWell MN sees the value, humanity and necessity of tapping into the massive pipeline within communities of color and other overlooked talent. And we have the community connections and know-how to do this well. Simply put, not investing in skilling-up sidelined jobseekers will stunt economic growth in our region.
Issue #2: Current policies and practices prevent access for communities of color to join the workforce.
Minnesota is brimming with motivated, able, and ready-to-be-trained individuals. Black, brown, Indigenous people, returning citizens, immigrants, refugees—young and old—who are waiting for their opportunity to step in and earn a family sustaining wage. We believe they are primed for this opportunity, and we see them playing a critical role in solving our worker shortage.
But real barriers to entry exist. Restrictive eligibility for government funded workforce programs, hiring practices, and corporate cultures are just some of the factors limiting access to jobseekers. WorkWell MN has nuanced awareness of the hindrances and is ready to work hand-in-hand with lawmakers, employers and funders to make the changes that open doors—for all—to skill-up and earn living wages.