
About the research
Capturing the full picture of the labor market means looking beyond the numbers to consider the experience of everyday workers and job seekers. Worker Voices provides a unique view into how job seekers and workers in lower-wage roles navigated the labor market at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and through recovery—and how it changed what they expect from a job. Learning about these workers’ first-hand experiences can provide depth and breadth to our collective understanding of economic conditions and labor market dynamics.

Worker Voices
2023 Report
How did workers in lower-wage roles and job seekers without a bachelor’s degree experience the labor market during the pandemic? To find out, the Federal Reserve held virtual focus groups across the country from May to September 2022.


Worker Voices Special Brief: Perspectives on Job Quality
For Worker Voices participants, a quality job checks five boxes. Workers with a quality job are adequately compensated, treated well, secure in their position, given flexibility around hours and location, and engaged with the work.

Worker Voices Special Brief: Barriers to Employment
Worker Voices participants faced compounding obstacles to finding high-quality jobs. These barriers included changing job requirements, individual attributes, and concerns about individual and family well-being.
Worker Voices deep dives coming soon
Conversations with Worker Voices focus group participants inspired deep dives into specific topics based on the experiences and perspectives these workers shared. Look for forthcoming briefs on these special topics.
- Things workers are doing to improve their employment outcomes
- Self-employment and entrepreneurial aspirations
- Lessons learned on engaging with community-based partners and research participants
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Acknowledgements
We are grateful for everyone who contributed to Worker Voices.
Thank you to the individuals who shared their insights and perspectives. This research reflects your lived experiences.
We also thank the organizations that provided valuable resources, information, and research.
Finally, we recognize the Worker Voices team for your contributions.