Amidst today’s labor shortage, employers are learning an important truth: we have no “extra” people. Unfortunately, many qualified workers are “hidden” from real consideration for jobs by ineffective artificial intelligence hiring screens, overly strict credentialing requirements, or a narrowmindedness from companies on how seemingly disparate skills could might serve to strengthen business operations. These barriers contribute to the existence of 27 million “hidden workers” in the US, including mothers returning to the workforce, those with physical disabilities, neurodivergent workers, and veterans.

To discuss this problem, I am joined by AEI non-Resident Fellow and Harvard Business School professor Joe Fuller. In addition to his work at AEI, Joe co-leads the Managing the Future of Work project, and has published reports through HBS as well as numerous popular press outlets.

Mentioned During the Show

Joe Fuller's Harvard Website

Joe Fuller’s AEI Website

Stephen Fuller Remembered

Michael Porter’s Harvard Website

Hidden Workers: Untapped Talent Report

New York Times Article on Automated Hiring

Young People Marry Later than Previous Generations

What Walmart is Doing Right

IBM Commits to Skill 30 Million by 2030

Unilever on Upskilling Its Employees

Managing the Future of Work

The Project on Workforce