From Workforce to Well-Force
From Workforce to Well-Force:
Transforming Work Structures and Advancing Wellness in a Post-Pandemic World
A Conference convened by the Center for Women in Government & Civil Society, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, University at Albany
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
10:00am-2:00pm
University at Albany, ETEC Building
The COVID-19 pandemic left an undeniable mark on our world. Following the "Great Resignation" of 4.4 million workers during the pandemic, there is a realization that a new world of work has emerged and adaptation to this world is critical to attracting and retaining talent.
The world of work witnessed profound transformational shifts and gave rise to new demands, different priorities, and varied expectations. The pandemic led:
- Acceleration of digital communication technologies.
- Increased use of automation and decreased demand for low-wage jobs in mass transit, restaurants, and retail businesses. Up to 25% of workers will be forced to change occupations in the post pandemic era.
- Greater acceptance of remote and hybrid work which increased by 20-25%.
- Increased anxiety and depression by 25% globally as estimated by the World Health Organization.
- Greater burden on women who have been disproportionately affected by the mental health crises and by social isolation and lack of support for caregiving.
- Increased demand for jobs that provide mental health support and benefits including flexible work policies with respect to work hours and location.
This conference explores how we can build optimal workplaces and work structures that are women and family-friendly, that attract and retain talent, that leverage maximum productivity, and that avoid stress and burnout. It examines policies and practices that can address systemic issues that the pandemic forced to the forefront.
Keynote Speaker:
Nathaalie Carey, HR Chief of Staff, Prologis
Speakers:
- Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, Albany Chief City Auditor, CWGCS Board member
- Susan Arbetter, Spectrum News
- Gina Cardazone, Lean In Organization
- Karen Carpenter Palumbo, President & CEO, Vanderheyden, Inc., CWGCS Board President
- Terri Crowley, Executive Deputy Comptroller, CWGCS Board Vice President
- Honorable Patricia Fahy, New York State Assembly & CWGCS Board Member
- Eden Forsythe, Senior Policy Advisor, NYS Department of Labor
- President Havidan Rodriguez, University at Albany
- Honorable Karen McMahon, NYS Assembly, Chair, Task Force on Women's Issues
- Dr. Julie Novkov, Interim Dean, Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy
- Honorable Roberta Reardon, Commissioner, NYS Department of Labor
- Crickett Thomas-O'Dell, Workforce Development Institute
- Honorable Lea Webb, NYS Senate, Chair, Women's Issues Committee
Sponsors:
CapitalWomen, SAPA, UAlbany Auxiliary Services, UAlbany Foundation
Thanks to the conference co-sponsors and to the conference planning committee: Ruth Walters, Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, Karen Carpenter, Terri Crowley, Canon Kay Hotaling, and Dr. Janell Hobson