HBR IdeaCast

Stop Neglecting Low-Wage Workers

Apr 18, 2023

Joseph Fuller, a Harvard Business School professor, and Manjari Raman, a program director at the same institution, dive into the complexities surrounding low-wage workers. They reveal that these employees, often seen as temporary, are actually loyal and seek opportunities for growth. The duo discusses the disconnect between employer perceptions and worker motivations, stressing the need for mentorship and career pathways. They also showcase how companies like Disney and Walmart effectively invest in their workforce, highlighting the hidden costs of neglecting this essential group.

26:12

Creator website

Episode guests

Manjari Raman

Joseph Fuller

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

The Effect of Comfort on Lunch Choice

00:27

Intro

2min

Understanding Low-Wage Worker Dynamics

12min

Bridging the Gap: Supporting Low-Wage Workers in Career Advancement

5min

Empowering Essential Workers

7min

The Hidden Costs of Ignoring Low-Wage Workers

2min

Many people blame the shortage of low-wage workers on the enduring impact of the pandemic. But management professor Joseph Fuller and senior researcher Manjari Raman of Harvard Business School say that the real reason has been long in the making. Their studies show that companies view low-wage workers as people who will be in the job only for a short time. Instead, the researchers find that these employees are loyal and want development and a clear path to career advancement. The researchers share practical suggestions for how leaders and managers can do better in hiring, development, and mentoring. Fuller and Raman wrote the HBR article "The High Cost of Neglecting Low-Wage Workers."