The Social Determinants of Thriving in the Workforce

"What do we need to do differently? We're not trying to fix the workers. We have to fix the work, and we have to fix the system." – Jill Rizika

In-person forum on Friday, July 22, 2022

View the recap at The City Club of Cleveland

 

Speakers

  • Bishara Addison
    Director, Job Preparation, The Fund for Our Economic Future
  • Jill Rizika
    President & CEO , Towards Employment
  • Renée Timberlake
    Director, Economic Mobility, United Way Greater Cleveland

Moderator

  • Teleange' Thomas
    Chief Operations & Relationship Officer, JumpStart Inc.

Recent news about a strong job market may sound like great news for workers. But in Ohio, even as the economy appears to be rebounding, vacancies and high turnover remain. In a recent survey of over 750 local employers by the Fund for our Economic Future, nearly 80% confirmed that they are struggling to not only attract, but also retain employees.

The COVID pandemic has ushered in a new reality for workers, especially women, and access to economic opportunity has become about more than just going to work. A worker's ability to succeed in their job is determined by a supporting framework of opportunities--called "social determinants of work." This includes reliable transportation, dependable childcare, paid leave, and access to healthcare--to name a few.

Production and distribution of City Club forums in partnership with Ideastream Public Media is generously provided by PNC and the United Black Fund.