Below is a summary of the A Good Job in Hawaiʻi: An alternative framework for prosperity and wellbeing report written for The Hawaiʻi Workforce Funders Collaborative (HWFC) in September 2023.  Download the full report here.

HWFC seeks to redefine what constitutes a "good job" in Hawaiʻi, especially post-pandemic, considering unique local challenges like housing affordability and the out-migration of families.

The framework was developed through conversations with diverse community members to understand their perspectives on jobs and work in Hawaiʻi.  They spoke with training providers, employers and industry representatives.  Download that research here (from training providers) and here (from employers & industry representatives). 

We encourage you to look over the information and share your thoughts about what you notice.

REPORT’S KEY FINDINGS

1. The Traditional Job Narrative is Failing 

•    The common belief that a job equates to financial stability and personal success is not holding true for many people in Hawaiʻi.

•    Many jobs do not provide sufficient wages for residents to support themselves and their families.

2. Redefining a Good Job in Hawaiʻi  

•    A good job in Hawaiʻi aligns with the needs, values, and motivations of residents. It should allow residents to remain in Hawaiʻi, support their families, and contribute positively to the community.

• Respondents indicated opportunities in Healthcare and IT as the top “Plus One” jobs.  “Plus One” jobs are defined as those with wages sufficient to support one adult and one other person

3. Core Goals of a Good Job 

•    Home: Enables workers to live in Hawaiʻi and maintain their roots.

•    Community: Supports connection and contribution to others, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

•    Health: Promotes physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

IMPLICATIONS FOR POLICY AND PRACTICE

1. Economic Development

•    Community-based economic development (CBED) strategies are more likely to create good jobs than those driven by external entities.

•    Supporting local small businesses and entrepreneurship can create more good jobs and build financial assets for Hawaiʻi residents.

2. Workforce Development

•    Merely training people for existing job openings is insufficient. Workforce development strategies need to involve workers and community representatives in decision-making processes.

•    There should be a focus on front-end services like targeted recruitment, remedial education, and wraparound support services to improve job placement outcomes.

3. Addressing Inequality

•    Equitable investment is crucial to level the playing field for all job seekers, considering the challenges related to race, gender, disability, and other factors.

•    Good jobs should ensure fair treatment, respect, and belonging in the workplace.

4. Creating Sustainable Jobs

•  Good jobs should contribute positively to workers' lives and the broader community. They should not penalize workers who make significant contributions to society, such as educators and care providers.

REPORT’S CONCLUSION

• The framework is a starting point for a new narrative on work in Hawaiʻi, aiming to create more equitable and meaningful employment opportunities.

• Ongoing conversations and community engagement are essential to refine and implement this framework effectively.
  
  

Please Review the above information, and provide any insights you may have in the comment section below.

HERE ARE A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS TO GUIDE YOU:

What are some of the trends that you’re seeing?

What do you think are some of the barriers to obtaining a good job in Hawaiʻi?

What do you think are some of the opportunities in Hawaiʻi’s job market?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts and ideas by commenting below.
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