Economic and Labor Market Trends

Heldrich Center studies on economic and labor market trends typically focus on specific sectors, including but not limited to childcare, healthcare, life sciences, and technology. Researchers use Lightcast, a data tool aggregating up-to-date information on the labor market, to analyze and assess the current labor market and projected employment trends.

Researchers at the Heldrich Center pride their work on being person-centered and equity-focused, ensuring that the voices of the participants are heard. Studying the labor market means that the data must be representative of workers. Therefore, elevating the voices of a diverse workforce is critically important.

Recently, Center researchers conducted a labor market scan of the healthcare sector for Middlesex County in New Jersey. The purpose of the project was to gain insight by understanding the demographics of the people working in the healthcare industry, average earnings, snapshots of the occupations within healthcare, and job postings.  Results from the study highlighted needs and opportunities and helped inform decisions on the county’s investments. Alongside quantitative data, Center researchers also interviewed participants to tell a full story of what the data mean and how it affects healthcare workers.

To better understand the public’s attitudes about work, employers, and the government, and improve workplace practices and policy, the Heldrich Center produces the Work Trends surveys on a regular basis. Launched in 1998, the surveys poll the public on critical workforce issues facing Americans and American businesses. Surveys have focused on topics such as the labor market, the impacts of technology on jobs, the experiences of high school and college students and older workers, unemployment, job loss, and retirement, among other subjects. The American Association for Public Opinion Research honored Work Trends research on the Great Recession with its Policy Impact Award in 2013.

Reach out to us at hcwd@ejb.rutgers.edu if you have a project related to economic and labor market trends.