Since the mid-1900s, the nine-to-five work schedule has often been viewed as the standard. For many workers, this schedule has never worked. Parenting and other caregiving responsibilities, health challenges, the pursuit of education and skills, existing employment, and other factors mean many people do not have a lot of predictability and consistency in their availability. Some may only be able to work a few hours a week and may not know week to week when that can happen. And yet, many obviously need to work to get by and meet their basic needs. While app-based platforms have often been heralded for providing the flexibility workers in these situations need, these jobs have often perpetuated low wages and low job quality standards.

In this event — hosted by the Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program on January 21, 2026 — we explore how Workforce Investment Boards, labor unions, and businesses are adapting to this context and striving to ensure that those who need a flexible and adaptable work arrangement don’t have to endure low quality jobs and low wages.

Our speakers include Marcy Chong (Director, Service Employees International Union), Minsun Ji (Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Employee Ownership Center; Executive Director, Drivers Cooperative-Colorado), Wingham Rowan (Project Lead, Beyond Jobs), Nick Schultz (Consultant; Former Executive Director, Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network), and moderator Matt Helmer (Director, Job Quality and Worker Well-Being, Economic Opportunities Program, The Aspen Institute).

For more information about this event, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit our website.

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This event is part of our Job Quality in Practice series.