Two years after the pandemic largely shut down the economy and threw millions out of work, many have yet to return to their jobs – or at least to their old jobs. Estimates are 3.5 million Americans have dropped out the labor force, leaving employers short staffed and their customers with long waits for goods and services. This Dialogue discussion will probe the reasons for this “great resignation” and what it will take to erase the labor shortage.

Featuring:
Bill Lafayette
Economist and Founder of Regionomics

Lisa Patt-McDaniel
CEO, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio

Sangeeta Lakhani
Co-founder of Service!, a Central Ohio Relief Program for Hospitality Workers

Moderated by:
Mike Thompson
WOSU News Chief Content Director