Rebuilding Pathways to Work: Removing Barriers for Overlooked Talent

Rebuilding Pathways to Work: Removing Barriers for Overlooked Talent

Hosts: Steve Boese and Trish Steed

Guest: Dr. Lee Bowes, CEO of America Works

Summary

In this episode of At Work in America, Steve and Trish speak with Dr. Lee Bowes, CEO of America Works, about what it takes to reconnect people with meaningful employment - and why employers may be overlooking individuals who have the ability and desire to contribute.

Dr. Bowes shares lessons from decades of helping people navigate challenges including disabilities, employment gaps, limited transportation, justice involvement, outdated skills, and complex public-benefit systems. The conversation also examines the role employers and HR leaders can play in creating more accessible hiring processes, supporting frontline managers, and helping new employees remain successful once they are hired. Sustainable employment often requires individualized support, stronger employer partnerships, practical problem-solving, and a willingness to recognize potential that may not appear on a traditional résumé.

Topics include:

• Why employment provides connection, dignity, and purpose in addition to income
• The practical barriers that prevent willing people from returning to work
• Transportation challenges facing workers in suburban and rural communities
• How complicated online applications and limited digital skills can restrict access
• Why employers and frontline managers also need support when hiring overlooked talent
• The importance of coaching, communication, and early intervention in employee retention
• What HR leaders can do to create more sustainable pathways into employment

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