Researchers at the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development have released a report examining whether motivational text messages help participants in New Jersey’s Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessment (RESEA) program return to work.
The RESEA program is designed to support unemployed individuals in New Jersey, particularly those at high risk of exhausting their unemployment insurance benefits. Participants are invited based on their employment history and meet with job counselors to identify skills and receive reemployment support.
The report was authored by Khudodod Khudododov, Stephanie Walsh, Jinah Yoo, and Andrea Hetling—all affiliated with Rutgers University. The team focused on behavioral motivators that keep people engaged in the RESEA program. Stephanie Walsh noted that many participants drop out of such programs, prompting researchers to investigate which factors help maintain commitment.
The study centered on motivational text messages used as reminders for participants. “Motivational text messages are stored texts that (are) usually (one to three sentences) that would be sent to participants’ phone numbers … to motivate them to engage in the program,” said Khudododov.
Messages were crafted using a theoretical framework about administrative burdens in public services. Each message targeted a specific barrier: learning costs (understanding available services), compliance costs (fulfilling requirements), and psychological costs (addressing stigma around public assistance).
Conducted in collaboration with the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), the research involved a randomized control trial among consenting participants. One group received motivational texts while another did not; engagement levels were then compared quantitatively.
Results showed no statistically significant difference between groups. Walsh attributed this outcome largely to reminder texts already implemented by NJDOL before the study began, which had increased appointment attendance from about 70 percent to 90 percent.
The findings suggest that individuals who still do not complete the program may need different types of encouragement beyond text messaging. Walsh also mentioned other possible reasons for non-participation, such as securing employment elsewhere before completing RESEA requirements.
Walsh indicated future research could explore qualitative aspects by surveying participants about how these messages affected their commitment to RESEA and reemployment efforts.
The Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University operates several research centers—including workforce development—and has achieved national recognition for its academic programs according to its official website. The school aims to foster socially inclusive communities locally and globally, with Stuart Shapiro serving as dean since 2023 according to its official website.