Strategically Virtual - Voices from the Field: Workforce Responses to COVID-19

Abstract

In the summer of 2021, nearly a year-and-a-half after the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development released a survey entitled�Voices from the Field: Workforce Responses to COVID-19�to gain a better understanding of workforce development professionals� ongoing experiences, questions, and concerns as they continue to navigate changes to their operations as a result of the pandemic. Nearly 150 responses from workforce development professionals were collected, representing seven states. Additionally, three roundtable discussion sessions drew approximately 40 participants. From this direct feedback, Heldrich Center researchers were able to ascertain a clearer picture of the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned from local workforce development professionals trying to simultaneously help people in need and personally and professionally stay above water in an extremely new and stressful environment.