Future of Work

Overview

The Russell Sage Foundation’s program on the Future of Work supports innovative research on the causes and consequences of changes in the quality of jobs for low- and moderately paid workers and their families in the U.S. We seek investigator-initiated research proposals that will broaden our understanding of the role of changes in employer practices, the nature of the labor market and public policies on employment, earnings, and job quality. We are especially interested in proposals that address questions about the interplay of market and non-market forces in shaping the wellbeing of workers.

The kinds of topics and questions of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Emerging Technologies and the Future of Work and Workers
• “The Big Shift”? Changes in Labor Force Participation and Increased Turnover During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic
• Labor Market Power and Institutions
• Workforce Development, Training, and the 21st Century American Workplace
• Changes in Employer Practices and Alternative Work Arrangements
• Changing Economies, Changing Families and Policy Responses

LOI: Maximum of 4 single-spaced pages (with standard 12-point font and 1-inch margins), excluding references. LOIs are expected to have well-developed conceptual frameworks and research designs. Analytical models must be specified, and research questions and hypotheses (where applicable) must be clearly stated. 

Award: Core Research Grants provide up to $200,000 for PhD holders to conduct research projects aligned with RSF's research priorities and special initiatives. Funds can be used for salary support and research expenses in accordance with RSF budget guidelines. Grants over $75,000 include 15 percent in indirect costs.