Hidden Workers are capable potential candidates for the workforce that are just waiting to be uncovered.
Millions of people in the United States are hidden workers, meaning they are unemployed or underemployed, eager to get a job or increase their working hours, but remain hidden from most businesses that would benefit from hiring them.
Hidden workers include:
- Carers of children
- Carers of adults/older people
- Veterans
- Refugees/asylum seekers
- Immigrants
- People from less advantaged backgrounds (e.g.,
low-income households, from care homes, or those
whose parents are not employed) - People with mental health challenges
- People with developmental/neurodiversity
challenges - People with a physical disability
- People with a history of substance/alcohol abuse
- People who were previously incarcerated
- Retirees/post-working-age population who
could work - Young people not in education, employment, or
training (NEETs) - Relocating partners and spouses (move to new city/
new country) - People with health problems (temporary, chronic/
long-term illness) - People without traditional qualifications
- People without degrees/advanced degrees
- People without a history of employment
- Long-term unemployed
According to a Harvard Business School study, there are more than 27 million hidden workers in the United States.
Hidden workers are often excluded from traditional hiring processes, but companies who have hired one or more of these groups report that they are more engaged, productive, and innovative than their peers.
For example, companies that hire hidden workers are 36% less likely to face talent and skills shortages.
And hidden workers outperform their peers on six key evaluative criteria:
- Attitude and work ethic
- Productivity
- Quality of work
- Engagement
- Attendance
- Innovation
At HiddenWorkers.org, we are working to raise awareness and advocate on behalf of hidden workers. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to work and contribute to their community.
We are working to connect hidden workers with employers who are looking for talented and motivated employees. We are also working to change the way that businesses think about hiring, so that they are more inclusive of hidden workers.
If you are a hidden worker, we encourage you to visit our website to learn more about your rights and to find resources to help you find a job. If you are an employer, we encourage you to learn more about the benefits of hiring hidden workers and to visit our website to find qualified candidates.
Together, we can create a more inclusive workforce where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.