Workforce strategies to strengthen families

How does employment impact family well-being?

Steady, high-quality employment increases the likelihood of material well-being. ¹

Lack of income stemming from unstable employment can make it more difficult for families to afford food, utilities, health care, and developmental opportunities.

Parents with steady employment are more likely to maintain stable households. ²

Parents who experience a substantial loss of income are more likely to move residences and experience divorce or separation, leading to further instability at home.

Steady, high-quality employment is associated with better health outcomes. ³

Unemployment is closely linked with poor health outcomes, particularly in the realm of mental health.

Parent job loss and unemployment affects children’s academic performance and development. ⁴

Children whose parents experience a job loss are at increased risk of grade retention, lower educational attainment, and more likely to be suspended or expelled from school.

Longer bouts of unemployment are more damaging to individuals and families. ⁵

Individuals and families facing long-term unemployment of six months or more are three times more likely to fall into poverty.

Children who never experience poverty see better outcomes. ⁶

Poverty negatively affects children’s social-emotional, cognitive, and academic outcomes, regardless of parental characteristics. Children’s cognitive development is most sensitive to the experience of poverty during early childhood.