Engaging Employers to Benefit Low-Income Job Seekers

Lessons Learned from the Jobs Initiative

By the Annie E. Casey Foundation

June 23, 2005

Summary

Despite the crucial role of employers in creating opportunities for low-wage, entry-level workers, there's little research on employers’ perspectives. This report sheds some light on the topic from data collected as part of the Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Jobs Initiative. Engaging Employers explores whether employers value workforce intermediaries, to what extent employers support low-income, entry-level workers in their human resources policies, and more. 

Table of Contents

Key Takeaway

Understanding Employers

Understanding why some employers support low-income, entry-level workers and others do not has important implications for workforce intermediaries. Two factors shape employers’ willingness to support workers: a desire to benefit the larger community by hiring people who need help, and a recognition that "the bottom line" limits their ability to do so.

Findings & Stats

Statements & Quotations