Workforce Trends
As we continue farther in to the 21st century, the work will continue to change. The new industrial revolution has created challenges for employees and employers. In our series “Future of Work,” we examine different aspects of the ever-changing working world.
Detroit Public Schools graduates first high school class from The School at Marygrove
A unique educational partnership has produced its first class of high school graduates. In 2019, the closure of Marygrove College gave way to a different approach to education on the same campus with the Detroit Public School’s new School at Marygrove, a social justice, engineering and education-focused school. The School at Marygrove is part of a “cradle to career” program called the P-20 Partnership. It’s a collaboration among several organizations including Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD), the Kresge Foundation, the Marygrove Conservancy, Starfish Family Services and the University of Michigan School of Education. The School at Marygrove held a monumental commencement ceremony for its first graduating high school class, which collectively received over $6 million in post-secondary scholarships and awards. One Detroit contributor Daijah Moss stopped by Music Hall Detroit to capture the celebration. At the commencement, graduates share their experiences at the new school. University of Michigan School of Education Dean Elizabeth Birr Moje talks about the college’s commitment to the next generation of teachers and students. The commencement ceremony featured school principal Lisa Williams and founding teachers, DPSCD Board Members, Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden, and the graduation class’s valedictorian and salutatorian. Stay Connected: Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit View Past Episodes > Watch One Detroit every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
2023 Mackinac Policy Conference emphasizes collaborative solutions with ‘The Power of And’
Every year, the state’s top policymakers, C-suite business executives, academics, community and civic leaders head to Mackinac Island for the Detroit Regional Chamber’s Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities that Michigan has before it. This year’s conference is set to explore the theme “The Power of And,” emphasizing the importance of collaboration, innovation and inclusive solutions to shape the future of Detroit and the state. With an array of thought-provoking discussions, interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference is expected to be a platform for meaningful conversations and transformative ideas, much like previous ideas that began at the conference including the bipartisan auto-reform policy, rebounding Detroit from bankruptcy, and more. One Detroit’s 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference correspondent Zoe Clark, political director for Michigan Radio, sat down with Detroit Regional Chamber CEO Sandy Baruah and Bank of America Michigan President Matt Elliott, this year’s conference chair, for a preview of the annual conference and what attendees can expect. They talk about the conference theme, the future of work, what each are looking forward to, and how the conference’s conversations affect the daily lives of Michiganders. Detroit Public TV will provide live coverage of the 2023 Mackinac Policy Conference beginning Tuesday, May 30. Stream key conversations from the conference here. Plus, don’t miss a special one-hour One Detroit episode from the conference airing at 7 p.m. ET Thursday, June 1. Stay Connected: Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit View Past Episodes > Watch One Detroit every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Gen Z in the Workforce | Future of Work Town Hall
As the baton of the workforce is passed from one generation to the next, Gen Z emerges as a powerful force, bringing their unique perspectives and aspirations to the table. Born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s, Gen Z is approaching higher education and their future careers with a fresh mindset, seeking practical skills and hands-on experiences that will empower them in an ever-evolving job market.
Michigan medical device company Wareologie makes major advancements in mobile, at-home caregiving
Wareologie, a Michigan-based medical device company, is making waves in the healthcare industry with its groundbreaking advancements in mobile and at-home caregiving. Led by innovative founder Gina Adams, the company has pioneered a range of innovative products that are transforming the lives of patients and caregivers alike.
Black Leaders Detroit gears up to support Black entrepreneurs during weeklong Ride for Equity
A nonprofit that supports Black-led businesses is gearing up for its annual weeklong bike ride to Mackinaw City to raise awareness for its cause. Black Leaders Detroit’s annual Ride for Equity, which kicks off May 21 this year, will raise money for African American entrepreneurs in Detroit and spread awareness about the importance of equitable funding practices.
Michigan’s returning citizens leverage prison work experiences to create new careers on the outside
For people who have been incarcerated, the road to reintegration into society can be long and challenging, especially when it comes to finding employment. Many employers remain reluctant to hire individuals with criminal records, which can create a significant barrier for those trying to rebuild their lives after serving time. This reluctance can create a vicious cycle, leading to recidivism and further incarceration.
Technology Impacts on Industry and How to Prepare Future Workers Now | Future of Work Town Hall
A livestream conversation about preparing future workers for the impact of autonomous technology on the workplace Technology has changed almost every product, both the way they are made and function. In the next 10-20 years, the concept of manual labor will be heavily impacted by autonomous technology and robotics themes.
Thoughtful Urban Design for Downtown Growth | Future of Work Town Hall
It’s becoming critical to apply thoughtful urban design practices to Detroit developments and encourage company engagement within the city as a way to redefine working downtown.
Growing Michigan’s millennial workforce with Let’s Detroit ambassador Marjace Miles
Millennials make up the largest share of the U.S. workforce — the generation is expected to make up 75% of the global workforce by 2025 — and the future of work in Michigan will depend upon keeping young professionals here. So, how can business leaders and key stakeholders convince millennials to plant their roots in Michigan?
Gen Xers are taking the lead. How will they shape the future of work?
Gen Xers have quietly become the next generation of workforce leaders, rising to C-suite level positions, as they take on new roles and talk about hiring for positions that don’t exist yet. At the same time Gen Xers are juggling the heightened responsibilities at work, they’re navigating more responsibilities at home as they take care of kids and aging parents.
Building Black Development | American Black Journal and Bridge Detroit Virtual Town Hall
The real estate development industry is dealing with a representation crisis. According to a new study from the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City (ICIC) and Grove Impact, minority developers — Black and Hispanic — make up less than 1% of the entire real estate industry. African Americans make up 0.4% of the industry, while Hispanic developers represent only 0.16% of the industry.
Millennials on the Move: Making Michigan Home | Future of Work Town Hall
Millennials currently make up the largest share of the U.S. workforce and are expected to make up 75% of the global workforce by 2025. Despite the cohort’s strength in numbers, the workforce isn’t evenly distributed across the nation, however, with many millennials opting to live in warm-weather destinations and large metropolitan cities as opposed to places like Michigan.
Worker-owned Pingree Detroit creates equity, shares success with employees
Pingree Detroit, a design and manufacturing cooperative near the city’s Fitzgerald neighborhood, is making the city a better place one recycled good at a time, and they’re doing it all while giving employees stock in the business.
Gen X: Picking up the Slack in an Evolving Workforce | Future of Work Town Hall
They’re not the silent generation. Hidden from the spotlight until now, Gen Xers (born between 1965 and 1981) have quietly become the next generation of workforce leaders, rising to C-suite level positions, as they take on new roles and talk about hiring for positions that don’t exist yet.
Biking around Detroit: Jason Hall on the benefits of riding through the Motor City
Biking: it’s more than just exercise. It’s equitable transportation, entertainment and a way for people to be introduced to Detroit and what the city has to offer.
Bank of America President Matt Elliott discusses Detroit’s recovery, housing affordability, Mackinac Policy Conference 2023
As cities and downtowns continue to navigate post-pandemic recovery, downtown Detroit’s recovery has been night and day, literally. While nightlife activity has nearly fully returned to pre-pandemic levels, weekday activity has been slow to return to downtown Detroit, having an impact on business and the city’s overall economic recovery.
Detroit Economic Club hosts Jeff Donofrio, Rachel Stewart in discussion about Michigan’s economy, trends
Stay Connected: Subscribe to One Detroit’s YouTube Channel & Don’t miss One Detroit Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56. Catch the daily conversations on our website, Facebook, Twitter @DPTVOneDetroit, and Instagram @One.Detroit View Past Episodes > Watch One Detroit every Monday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET on Detroit Public TV on Detroit Public TV, WTVS-Channel 56.
Has Detroit’s slow return to work stalled its downtown vibrancy? Eric Larson weighs in
How has the shift to remote and hybrid work impacted downtown Detroit’s vibrancy? Has the pandemic upended the notion that downtowns thrive on in-office workspaces and large company headquarters?
Millennials make up a majority of the global workforce. Can Michigan attract them to move here?
Millennials are expected to make up nearly three-fourths of the global workforce in the next two years, and many are moving away from now-unaffordable and overpopulated cities like New York City and San Francisco to cities down South including Austin, Dallas, and Miami.
Richard Florida shares the two priorities downtown Detroit needs for its post-pandemic recovery
In the past decade, the pulse of downtown Detroit has gone up and down like a rollercoaster. From a steep drop into bankruptcy a decade ago to swift twists and turns to return the city’s vibrancy, all for those efforts to be met with another huge drop— the COVID-19 pandemic. As Detroiters head into year three of the city’s post-pandemic recovery efforts, what plans are ahead? And what do the experts think?
What do workers want from a post-pandemic workforce? Strategic Staffing Solutions weighs in
For nearly three years, many employees have been working remotely because of the pandemic. Now, whether employers are choosing to stay fully remote, implement a hybrid model or make a full return to the office, several businesses are starting to make decisions about their post-pandemic workplace environments and requirements. But what do the employees want?
Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II on the administration’s investment in downtown Detroit
As Michigan ushers in a Democratic-controlled state government for the first time in 40 years, what could that mean for the state’s ongoing investments in Detroit? And what could Detroit’s resurgence mean for the rest of the region and state?
The High Cost of Baby Boomers | Future of Work Town Hall
Baby boomers are facing a big decision: should they stay in the workforce, and can they afford to leave? Can Michigan afford to lose them? According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percentage of civilian workers aged 65-74 participating in the U.S. labor force is expected to take a sharp rise in the next decade, meaning more baby boomers are expected to stave off retirement and stay in their positions longer.
2023 Detroit Policy Conference focuses on the City’s resurgence and the future for downtown
Ten years ago, in 2013, Detroit was facing arguably one of its hardest situations yet: bankruptcy. In the last decade, however, the city’s downtown has rebounded and revitalized itself, and in the grand scheme of things, for some city officials and key stakeholders, Detroit’s resurgence is just getting started.
A Year in Review: The Future of Work in Michigan | Future of Work Town Hall
After more than two years of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and major economic shifts, Michigan’s workforce landscape has changed drastically. Businesses of all sizes, and their employees, were impacted. Some small businesses shuttered, while others thrived, and the philosophy behind what work is, and what it should be, came into question.
The Great Reset: The Future of Work with SHRM’s Johnny Taylor, Jr.
In this time of global upheaval, the greatest challenge business leaders face is access to human capital. As a global leader on the future of employment, culture and leadership, Johnny C. Taylor, Jr is a sought-after voice on all matters affecting work, workers, and the workplace. Mr. Taylor will discuss the complexities of the modern workplace amid a pandemic, fluctuating unemployment, economic uncertainty and a heightened urgency around inclusion and diversity.
Michigan’s Childcare Challenges Have Displaced Women From the Workforce. Will New Legislation Help Them Return?
All across Michigan, a shortage of childcare availability and rising childcare costs have persisted, leaving some working women with few options other than to stay home and forego a job for parenthood. Nearly 1.1 million women left the workforce from February 2020 to January 2022, and a disproportionate number of women — 23% compared to 13% of men — considered leaving their careers for motherhood.
Future of Work Town Hall | Women in the Workforce
All across Michigan a shortage of childcare availability and rising childcare costs have persisted leaving some working women few other options than to stay home and forego a job for parenthood. According to a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics federal study, nearly 1.1 million women left the workforce from February 2020 to January 2022.
Does the Future of Teaching Spell Trouble for Michigan Educators, School Systems?
What does the future of teaching in Michigan look like for the state’s current educators, and how can Michigan make the profession more prosperous for educators and students to come?
Keeping Commitments? The State of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion Efforts in the Workplace
It has been more than two years since George Floyd’s murder sparked huge commitments from businesses and organizations to expand their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in the workplace. Promises were made, but were they kept? American Black Journal takes a look at whether DEI efforts in the workplace have improved since calls for racial and social justice re-ignited across the nation.
Future of Work Town Hall | School’s Out for Teachers
When it comes to Michigan’s strengths as a state, education isn’t necessarily one of them. According to a U.S. News & World Report ranking, Michigan sits at 38th overall — 42nd in higher education, and 32nd in Pre-K-12 education — compared with the other 49 U.S. states. Teachers in Michigan were presented with more challenges and increased demands in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and school shootings, like the mass shooting at Oxford High School last November and at Uvalde Elementary School in Texas more recently.
Michigan Redesigned: Developing Careers, Investments in the State’s Design Industry
Taking a look around Michigan’s major cities, design is everywhere. The creativity of designers can be seen throughout Michigan in the clothes we wear, the architecture of our cities and the cars we drive, but still, globally Detroit isn’t recognized for having a strong design industry. How can Michigan develop more design jobs across the state, and prepare young designers for future design jobs?
Placemaking: The Path to Increasing Quality of Life, Talent Attraction in Michigan
Placemaking — it’s the term often used to describe the process of increasing the quality of shared public spaces where business owners, workers and families can gather. When it comes to placemaking efforts, what has Michigan done and have those investments paid off today?
Can Detroit become an international fashion city? Detroit brand Deviate Fashion thinks so
When it comes to fashion, not many people place Detroit among the cities where the design industry thrives. Detroiters may know it here, but one Detroit-based fashion brand, Deviate Fashion, started with the goal to put Detroit on the map as a fashion city around the world.
Future of Work Town Hall | Michigan Redesigned
Taking a look around Michigan’s major cities, design is everywhere, though much of the design people see in their daily lives largely goes unnoticed. Whether it’s the clothing people wear, the designs and patterns that adorn walls, the architecture in downtown Detroit and other cities, or the websites they visit, chances are a designer is behind it. So, what really makes up the design industry and what efforts are underway in Michigan to develop and expand it?
Michigan Business Leaders Say Education, Trained Workforce Key to Making Michigan More Competitive
In the national and global race for strong professional talent, how can Michigan get a leg up on the competition? How does the Great Lakes state become a top 10 state where families and young professionals want to live, work, grow and play? Some of Michigan’s top business leaders gathered together to answer these questions about making Michigan more competitive and how exactly the state should do it at the Detroit Regional Chambers 2022 Mackinac Policy Conference.
Future of Work Town Hall | Creating Communities: The Path to Placemaking
From Detroit’s Campus Martius and Riverwalk districts to vibrant developing downtown corridors in Detroit’s suburbs, like Clawson, urban planners, developers and city officials in Southeast Michigan have begun the placemaking process in an attempt to attract and retain workforce talent and provide residents with a greater quality of life, but have the state’s efforts paid off?
Future of Work Town Hall | Steering the Future: Moving the Motor City’s Auto Industry Forward
More than a century ago, Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit put the Michigan auto industry on the map as the Motor City — the car capital of the world, but how will the state that has led the automotive industry for several decades stay competitive in the everchanging automotive environment of the 21st century?
Small business workshop covers business recovery, sustainability amid COVID
For the past eight years, The LEE Group‘s President and CEO Mark S. Lee has put a focus on helping small businesses through the challenges of starting and sustaining a new venture. The past few years, however, COVID-19 has caused major disruptions to our economy and to the survival of small businesses. The LEE Group’s Small Business Workshop returns for its eighth year with a focus on business recovery and sustainability. ere severely impacted and are not showing the profitability that they had.
Michigan’s Teacher Shortage: Can It Be Considered a Crisis Yet?
From remote learning to mask mandates, teacher shortages and more, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to disrupt education for Michigan’s students and educators. Michigan’s teacher shortage specifically has been a widely debated topic across the state, but can it be characterized as a crisis yet? While some headlines and reports might say yes, other education experts don’t think our state’s education system is there yet.
Grocery Stores Remain Hardest Hit by Employee Shortages | Future of Work
They were some of America’s frontline workers, but then they called it quits. The nation’s labor shortage has impacted several industries, with workers leaving because of low wages, poor conditions or in pursuit of new opportunities, but one of the hardest-hit industries continues to be retail, especially grocery stores that have seen grocery store workers leave in droves.
New York Times Author Alec Ross Discusses Best-Selling Book ‘The RAGING 2020s’
New York Times best-selling author Alec Ross joined the Detroit Economic Club on Feb. 16 for a lively discussion centered around his latest book, “The RAGING 2020s: Companies, Countries and People — and the Fight for Our Future,” with DEC President and CEO Steve Grigorian. Alec Ross currently works as a distinguished visiting professor at l’Universitá di Bologna Business School.
Michigan’s High Childcare Costs Continue As Financial Assistance Remains Untapped
While 35% of Michigan’s children five years and under qualify for childcare subsidies, only 5% of families are tapping into the state’s financial resources. At the same time, nearly 44% of Michigan families live in childcare deserts — geographic hot spots where there’s a lack of licensed childcare providers.
Have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Progressed in the Workplace?
One Detroit contributor and American Black Journal host Stephen Henderson checks in with marketing consultant Mark S. Lee, president of The Lee Group, MI LLC, on where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are in the workplace. They explore the progress that’s been made in regards to DEI efforts and what’s still lacking nearly two years after the topic re-emerged into the mainstream, after George Floyd’s death.
2/10/22: One Detroit – Critical Race Theory, Michigan Childcare, Workplace DEI, Bill Bonds
When Jonathan Harris first previewed his painting “Critical Race Theory” at his TRIPTYCH: Stronger Together exhibit at the Irwin House Gallery this past November, it sat on a wall just outside the gallery’s main room, but despite its less-than-prominent placement, it sold easily. It was the first step toward a virality that swept over Harris’ painting and sparked a national conversation about critical race theory and the ways social and political issues are taught in America’s classrooms.
Detroit Economic Club Hosts 2022 Economic Outlook Discussion for Michigan
On Thursday, Jan. 13, the Detroit Economic Club hosted the 2022 Michigan Economic Outlook meeting to discuss the state’s trajectory and possible fiscal future. In a conversation moderated by Detroit News’ Senior Editor of Business and columnist Daniel Howes, Elaine Buckberg, Chief Economist of General Motors, and Quentin L. Messer, Jr., CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation share their insights on the analysis of our state’s economic strength and fortitude.
Michigan State University President Discusses Future for Spartan Community
The Detroit Economic Center welcomed Samuel L. Stanley Jr., M.D., President of Michigan State University, on Monday, December 6, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel as the 16th speaker in DEC history. In a fireside chat with WJR Radio’s Paul W. Smith, Dr. Stanley discussed “Leading The Way Forward: MSU Today and Tomorrow” and answered questions from the audience.
DTE CEO Discusses the Future of Michigan’s Energy Needs
The Detroit Economic Club hosted Jerry Norcia, President & CEO of DTE Energy, on Thursday, November 18, at the MotorCity Casino Hotel. In a fireside chat with Sandy Pierce of The Huntington National Bank, Jerry discussed “Planning for Our Customers’ Evolving Energy Needs While Investing in Michigan’s Clean Energy Future” and answered questions from the audience.
Delta CEO Discusses the Future of Travel
The Detroit Economic Club hosted Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, on Friday, October 29, at the Westin Book Cadillac. In a fireside chat with DEC President and CEO Steve Grigorian, Ed discussed “The Future of Travel” and answered questions from the audience.
9/23/21: One Detroit – Mackinac Policy Conference Highlights
One Detroit team Christy McDonald, Stephen Hendersonand Nolan Finley provide their seasoned analysis of the week’s proceedings, which centered around such topics as the Future of Work, racial equality, community health and public education.
7/22/21: One Detroit – Future Leadership / Fixing the Districts / Eviction Moratorium Ending
Detroit’s primary elections are coming up in just over a week. One Detroit contributors, Nolan Finley of The Detroit News and Stephen Henderson of American Black Journal, got together to talk about who’s on the ballot, the contention over proposed charter revisions, and the future of the mayoral seat.
4/15/21: One Detroit – The Future of Women & Work
Impact of women leaving the workforce According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, there were 2.2 million fewer women in the workforce in October 2020 than in October 2019. The number of women participating in the workforce has dropped 57%, the lowest level since 1988. Christy talks with Univ. of Michigan Labor Economist Dr. Betsey Stevenson and Julie Kashen from The Century Foundation for more on the ascendancy of women in the workforce pre-pandemic and the setbacks they’re facing now.