Along with the rapidly changing social and economic context accompanied by COVID-19, concerns have been raised for the less-educated, low-wage workers who disproportionately experienced disadvantages in accessing workplace learning or training opportunities essential for job placement or career development. In response to the challenges of…

At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, some US workers became "essential" overnight and were, therefore, ineligible to work from home. Millions of these workers put their lives at risk to keep society functioning. So, why do we undervalue those we cannot live without? This article explores the transformative potential of learning in and…

This chapter examines three distinct approaches to lifelong learning to illustrate workforce and societal development efforts in Europe, Singapore, and the United States. The case studies bring to the fore various complex issues, including, in the case of Europe, ensuring more equitable access to workforce development initiatives for all.…

The transitioning of veterans, specifically as mature workers, from the "military world" to the "civilian world," and by extension, the civilian workforce is the ultimate career transition. Despite their motivation and resilience, veterans still encounter a multiplicity of challenges when transitioning to the civilian…

Amidst ongoing racist violence in the United States, this article will recognize workplace-based efforts to act against racially motivated discrimination targeted at the Black community. More specifically, this article will examine anti-racist initiatives in the workplace by connecting these efforts to broader discussions of human rights,…

This chapter reviews how the impact of WIOA on adult education provision in the United States may be limited because of persistent structural problems within adult education policy and practice.

This chapter expands on the role of community colleges in economic development, workforce development and training, and even job creation. Practical examples from the field are included.

Research demonstrates that white privilege and racism have a direct impact on the success of businesses and the economy (Updegrave, Byrd, and Leuchter, 1989). Furthermore, organizations that are effective in integrating diversity experience increased organizational viability and profitability. Employees' intentions and actions of engaging in the…

Organizational life evokes joy, hate, anger, despair, curiosity, and esteem, yet as far as management is concerned, emotions are disruptive, dysfunctional, and derailing. In spite of managerial reluctance to embrace the emotional self as a relevant aspect of the worker, emotion makes everyone human, and organizations weigh on workers' emotional…

This chapter outlines the unique experiences of gay and lesbians in organizational settings and offers best practices for human resource professionals in supporting their sexual minority employees.

This chapter explores the challenges and the opportunities that lesbians experience in organizational America.