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In a move set to significantly impact the US labor market, the Biden-Harris administration has launched a comprehensive initiative aimed at redefining what constitutes a 'good job'.
The new policy, unveiled under the banner "Investing in America and Investing in Americans," signals a shift in how federal funds will be allocated to support employment opportunities.
The executive order outlines a strategy to channel federal resources towards creating jobs that not only offer competitive wages but also prioritize worker safety, unionization rights, and essential benefits such as childcare support.
This policy builds upon the administration's existing economic agenda, which has already seen significant investments in infrastructure, clean energy, and manufacturing through legislation like the American Rescue Plan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
Central to the initiative is the expansion of the Department of Labor's Good Jobs Initiative. The program, which has already influenced the allocation of approximately $240 billion in federal projects, aims to ensure that government-funded positions offer improved wages, promote diversity in hiring practices, and provide comprehensive benefits packages.
From retention to risk reduction: How to deliver training to improve employee experience
There are a range of challenges facing people leaders when it comes to creating a compelling employee experience. It can be difficult to keep workers engaged, particularly where training & development is concerned. But whether it's compliance risk through mandatory training, or retaining staff through career skills building, it's business-critical for effective learning programs to enhance the employee experience.
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The executive order brings together a coalition of federal agencies, including the Departments of Labor, Transportation, Energy, Commerce, Interior, Education, Homeland Security, and Housing and Urban Development, along with the General Services Administration and Environmental Protection Agency.
A key component of the order is the establishment of a dedicated task force, co-chaired by the Acting Secretary of Labor and the Director of the White House National Economic Council, charged with developing a long-term strategy to embed the principles of good job creation into federal investment policies.
For HR professionals and recruiters, this policy shift presents both challenges and opportunities. The emphasis on higher wages, improved benefits, and worker protections may require adjustments in compensation structures and recruitment strategies. It also opens up new avenues for attracting talent, particularly in sectors benefiting from federal investments.
The focus on diversity in hiring aligns with many organizations' existing DEI initiatives, potentially accelerating progress in this area, but flies in the face of some corporations that have scaled back their DEI efforts in the face of right-wing criticism of the policy.
Moreover, the inclusion of benefits like childcare support could significantly broaden the pool of available talent, especially among demographics previously constrained by caregiving responsibilities.
As this policy takes effect, HR departments across the country will need to reassess their practices to ensure alignment with the new initiative. This might involve revising job descriptions, updating benefits packages, and potentially reevaluating relationships with labor unions.
The long-term implications of this executive order could reshape the American labor landscape, setting new standards for what constitutes a "good job" in the 21st century economy.
As the task force develops its blueprint for future federal investments, HR professionals will need to stay informed and adaptable to navigate this evolving employment paradigm.
This initiative represents a significant shift in federal labor policy, and could have far-reaching effects on how companies attract, retain, and manage their workforce in the years to come.
