Labor Markets
In addition to supporting policymakers in applying evidence from randomized evaluations to their work, sector chairs and staff write Policy Insights that synthesize general lessons emerging from the research, condense results from evaluations in policy publications and evaluation summaries, and fund new research through the Jobs and Opportunity Initiative.
Policy insight
Vocational and skills training programs to improve labor market outcomes
While vocational and skills training programs have had mixed results, those that included practical experience, soft-skills training, and job referrals often increased the likelihood of being employed and earnings of people who were targeted. Vocational training programs often helped trainees...
Policy insight
Improving job seekers’ employment and earnings through credible skills signals
Credible skills signals help alleviate information barriers for both job seekers and firms, and often improve employment and earnings at a low cost. More and better information enables applicants to have a more effective job search, often resulting in higher-quality jobs and better employment...
Evaluation
The Effects of Subsidized Trainings on Young Workers and Small Firms: Evidence from Uganda
Researchers evaluated the impact of offering either subsidized vocational training to unemployed youth or subsidized apprenticeships for firms on youth employment and earning outcomes in urban Uganda. Both forms of subsidized training led to greater skill accumulation, higher employment rates, and...
Evaluation
Improving Female Labor Force Participation through Flexible, Internet-mediated Gig Work in India
In India, researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to test the impact of a flexible, digital gig work opportunities on women’s labor supply, take uptake of employment opportunities, implications for worker productivity, and women’s interest in future outside-the-home work opportunities. as...
Evaluation
The Impact of Employment and Cash Transfers on Psychosocial Wellbeing in Bangladesh
Researchers conducted a randomized evaluation to test the impact of employment on refugee psychosocial well-being in Bangladesh. The study found that employment generated significant psychosocial value beyond that from cash transfers alone.
