Researchers at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development have released a new report examining whether motivational text messages can improve outcomes for participants in New Jersey’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program. The study, led by Khudodod Khudododov, Ph.D., Stephanie Walsh, Ph.D., Jinah Yoo, and Andrea Hetling, Ph.D., used a randomized controlled trial to assess the impact of behavioral science interventions on administrative processes.
The RESEA program supports high-risk Unemployment Insurance recipients in returning to work through required services such as career coaching and job search workshops.
The study found that both the treatment group, which received motivational texts, and the control group had high rates of appointment attendance—about 90%—and 88% of participants completed the program. These figures are higher than those recorded in the previous year.
According to the researchers, “Motivational messaging didn’t significantly alter outcomes, suggesting that appointment reminder texts implemented by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development just prior to the study may already be improving program participation and completion.”
The findings suggest that future efforts should consider factors such as when messages are sent, how participants are targeted, and how human-centered case management is integrated into similar programs.
