Future of Work

Technology will continue to change the skills that are needed to succeed in the workforce. In order to make sure we develop a workforce that has the skills necessary to perform the jobs of the future, policymakers need to use opportunities like tax reform to help students, workers, and businesses invest in 21st century skills.

With a rise of nontraditional work and a decline in organized labor, gig workers are seeking out ways to build collective voice. The Independent Drivers Guild in New York is one example of a form of new worker voice coming out of the platform economy.

Sens. Warner, Casey, and Stabenow introduced legislation on worker training tax credits similar to a Future of Work Initiative proposal.

As work continues to change and more people work outside of traditional employer-employee relationships, the viability and success of the Affordable Care Act becomes increasingly important.

A new report from the GAO finds that our workforce development system often fails to meet the needs of independent workers or help disrupted workers connect to independent work opportunities. Policymakers should consider new proposals to support nontraditional forms of work.

According to the 2017 Freelancing in America (FIA) report, released Tuesday by The Freelancers Union and Upwork, there are currently 57.3 million independent workers in America, equating to 36 percent of the employed workforce.

We’re excited to announce a collaboration with WeWork on a national town hall series on the future of work and research on how these changes are impacting freelancers, entrepreneurs and workers.

Sen. Thune’s NEW GIG Act of 2017 should spark a conversation about how to ease the burden of tax filing for independent workers.

To reduce debt and increase educational access, some educational institutions have begun testing Income Share Agreements (ISAs). As ISAs grow in popularity, policymakers should explore the opportunities and risks that these contracts represent, and debate a regulatory framework that ensures students are protected.

If companies want the profits that come with an engaged and productive workforce, then they must invest in that workforce.