The Heldrich Center for Workforce Development has announced the release of two new research products from its Work Trends public opinion polling series. These initiatives aim to enhance understanding of public attitudes toward work, employers, and government, thereby informing workplace practices and policies.
A recent research brief titled "Exploring 2024 and 2020 Election-Year Longitudinal Trends in Support for Minimum Wage, College Loan Forgiveness, and Paid Leave Among U.S. Workers: Republicans Appear More Supportive of Policies for Some Americans Over Time" presents findings from a December 2024 survey. This survey examined U.S. workers' views on policy proposals concerning the economy, education, and work. The same topics were surveyed in December 2020 following Joe Biden's presidential election victory and the initial distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
The survey targeted the U.S. labor force, including those employed full or part-time, on temporary leave or furlough, or unemployed but seeking work. Participants were asked about three key policy proposals discussed during the 2020 and 2024 presidential campaigns: raising the federal minimum wage to at least $15 per hour, eliminating college loan debt for low- and moderate-income individuals, and ensuring paid family leave for workers when needed.
While there was widespread support for these economic policies, further analysis showed changing perspectives across demographic and political lines between the two surveys conducted in 2020 and 2024. These shifts indicate evolving views on economic equity and governmental roles in addressing financial challenges faced by American workers. With a new administration potentially influencing policy directions, changes in opinions among U.S. workers may continue over time.
The brief was authored by Heldrich Center staff members Jessica Starace (Survey Research Manager), Kristine Joy Bacani (Research Project Coordinator), and Brittney Donovan (Research Project Coordinator).
In addition to this brief, the Heldrich Center has launched a new website showcasing findings from Work Trends surveys conducted over the past quarter-century. The site provides insights into notable projects covering various topics such as American workers' attitudes towards work; technological impacts on jobs; experiences of recent graduates; long-term unemployment; economic recessions; older workers' issues; workplace discrimination; employee benefits programs; accessibility; families; and wellness programs.
