Workforce Strategies

Coming Soon: New ALICE At Work Website

Understanding Barriers And Implementing Solutions

ALICE households encounter a significant array of challenges that impact one’s ability to be a productive and motivated employee, including: 

  

• insufficient wages to afford basic necessities 
   

• inability to save for emergencies and future goals 
   

• lack of access to health care and health insurance 
   

• lack of opportunities for education, training, and promotion 
   

• inconsistent and unreliable schedules  
   

• unreliable transportation, child care, or elder care 

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These barriers, among others, contribute to an inability to provide adequately for a family in the short and long term, and to weather economic downturns or crises, such as the pandemic, severe weather events, or personal health crises. 

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Based on the body of research published under the auspices of United For ALICE, we know that there are several trends that impact ALICE throughout the state, and nationally:  

 

• The cost of living is increasing, especially the cost of basic essentials (including food, housing, child care, transportation, health care, a smart phone plan)
    

• Worker vulnerability is increasing due to the rise in jobs that are low wage, hourly paid, and/or offer no benefits
   

• The number of ALICE households is on the rise, leading to greater instability for families and workers 

 

Employers across New Jersey have been finding ways to address these challenges, including raising wages, making health insurance more affordable, and providing mentorship and training programs. Check back soon to explore our well of case studies to learn about projects that some area companies have done and what was learned from them.  While each workplace is different and may require unique solutions, these case studies can provide a wealth of tested ideas for other companies to model.

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