Public Policy

The future of work in shaping the employment inclusion of young adults with disabilities: a qualitative study

Arif Jetha
Ali Shamaee
Emile Tompa
Peter Smith
Ute Bültmann
Silvia Bonaccio
Lori B. Tucker
Cameron Norman
Cristina Banks, PhD
Monique A.M. Gignac
2023
Purpose

The world of work is changing and creating challenges and opportunities for the employment inclusion of young people with disabilities. In this article, the perceptions held by young adults with disabilities regarding participation in the future of work are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

One-on-one interviews were conducted with Canadian young adults (ages 18–36 years) living with a disability. Participants were asked about their thoughts regarding the impact of the changing nature of work on their labor market involvement and career aspirations. A thematic analysis...

Divided in a digital economy: Understanding disability employment inequities stemming from the application of advanced workplace technologies

Arif Jetha
Silvia Bonaccio
Ali Shamaee
Cristina Banks, PhD
Ute Bültmann
Peter M Smith
Emile Tompa
Lori B. Tucker
Cameron Norman
Monique A.M. Gignac
2023
Objectives

The digital transformation of the economy is characterized by the rapid advancement and wide-spread workplace application of digital technologies. Our study aimed to unpack how the digital transformation of the economy contributes to challenges and opportunities for the sustainable employment and health of persons living with disabilities.

Methods

One-on-one semi-structured interviews with policy makers, disability employment service providers and...

Health, Safety, Well-Being and Economic Security Implications of Gig Work: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Cristina Banks, PhD
2019

This paper explores the complex issues surrounding gig work and its implications for workers' health, safety, well-being, and economic security. It argues for an interdisciplinary approach to addressing these challenges, emphasizing that single-pronged solutions are insufficient to tackle the multifaceted nature of the problem.

Key points:

Definition and characteristics of gig work, including its digital platform-based nature and flexibility. Analysis of the pros and cons of gig work, including potential income, autonomy, and job control, as well as the lack of...

Fragmentation in the future of work: A horizon scan examining the impact of the changing nature of work on workers experiencing vulnerability

Arif Jetha
Ali Shamaee
Silvia Bonaccio
Monique A. M. Gignac
Lori B. Tucker
Emile Tompa
Ute Bültmann
Cameron D. Norman
Cristina Banks, PhD
Peter M. Smith
2021

This study uses a horizon scan methodology to examine how changes in the future of work could impact workers experiencing vulnerability. The researchers synthesized diverse sources of evidence to identify nine key trend categories:

Digital transformation of the economy AI/ML-enhanced automation AI-enabled human resource management systems Skill requirements for the future of work Globalization 4.0 Climate change and the green economy Gen Z workers and the work environment Populism and the future of work External shocks accelerating changes (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic)

The study found...

Wage and hour litigation

Cristina Banks, PhD
Chester Hanvey, PhD
2015

This chapter provides an overview of wage and hour litigation in the United States, with a focus on how industrial-organizational (I-O) psychology methods can be applied in these cases.

Key topics covered:

Relevant federal and state laws regarding overtime exemptions, independent contractor status, off-the-clock work, and meal/rest breaks Common types of wage and hour violations and allegations Methodologies used by I-O psychologists to analyze jobs and collect data in wage and hour cases, including job analysis questionnaires, observations, structured...

Health, Safety, Well-Being and Economic Security Implications of Gig Work: An Interdisciplinary Perspective

Cristina Banks, PhD
2019

This article explores the complex implications of gig work on workers' health, safety, well-being, and economic security.

Key points:

The need for interdisciplinary approaches to address worker health, safety, well-being, and economic security issues. Definition of gig work as contingent work arrangements facilitated by digital platforms. Pros of gig work: flexibility, autonomy, and quick start-up. Cons of gig work: lack of employment benefits, civil rights protections, and economic uncertainties. Health and safety risks: job stressors, sedentary behavior,...

On the legal front: Wage and hour litigation developments and trends

Cristina Banks, PhD
Chester Hanvey, PhD
2016

This article discusses three significant developments in wage and hour litigation:

Changes to Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) overtime exemption criteria: The Department of Labor has proposed increasing the minimum salary requirement for exemption from $455/week to $951/week, potentially reclassifying millions of employees as non-exempt. This change could significantly impact both employers and employees in terms of compensation, work schedules, and job responsibilities. Increased enforcement of independent contractor misclassification: Federal...

The New Organizational Template: How to Design Work and Workplaces for Employee Health and Well-Being

Cristina Banks, PhD
2013

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the current state and future directions of workplace health and well-being initiatives.

Key points:
1. The global health crisis, including rising obesity rates, diabetes, and mental health issues, significantly impacts workplace productivity and costs.
2. Current approaches to addressing workplace health issues fall into three categories: preventive interventions, health promotion programs, and mitigation of existing health problems. However, these approaches have shown limited success due to various factors,...

California employers get a break with Brinker but what does it really mean?

Cristina Banks, PhD
2008

This article analyzes the implications of the Brinker Restaurant Corporation v. The Superior Court of San Diego County case for California employers regarding meal and rest break compliance.

Key points:
1. The Brinker decision changed interpretations of California labor law, giving employers more flexibility in meal and rest break implementation.
2. Major changes include:

Employers need only provide, not ensure, that breaks are taken Rest breaks don't need to occur mid-shift Meal periods aren't required every five consecutive hours Employers aren't liable...

How to comply with meal and rest break law and policy

Cristina Banks, PhD
2006

This article provides a comprehensive overview of meal and rest break compliance issues for employers.

Key points:

Review of relevant federal and state laws governing meal and rest breaks Common reasons for non-compliance, including lack of understanding, understaffing, insufficient management oversight, and corporate culture issues Discussion of the "false tug-of-war" between employee interests and compliance efforts Proposed solutions for facilitating compliance, such as sufficient staffing, reliable timekeeping, and management commitment Framework for evaluating...