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The Pandemic and Employee Experiences: The Future of the Faith-Shaped Workplace
Thursday, June 22nd, 2023-1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Co-sponsored by Comment, this webinar presents newly released research conducted by the Center for Public Justice in partnership with DataWise Consulting. Through interviews with employers and employees, the study explores work conditions and experiences at faith-shaped low-wage workplaces during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our panelists discussed the research findings, analyzed similar observations made in workplaces today, and shared their recommendations for faith-shaped employers and employees. Together, we explored the challenges faced, the innovative approaches adopted, and the opportunities for reimagining faith-based workplaces. From fostering resilience and adapting to changing circumstances to promoting employee well-being and integrating faith values, this webinar provides valuable insights and recommendations for faith-shaped businesses and employees seeking to thrive in a post-pandemic world.
Key topics covered:
- Overview of the research methodology and findings
- Employee experiences and challenges during the pandemic
- Employer perspectives and approaches to adapting workplace practices
- Recommendations for fostering a faith-shaped workplace in the post-pandemic era
- Q&A session with the panelists
Panelists:
Rachel Anderson is a Resident Fellow with the Center for Public Justice, leading the Families Valued initiative. Her work focuses on work and family policy and faith-based civic engagement. Previously, Rachel served as the Director of Faith Affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending, where she worked with faith leaders at the state and federal level to advocate for protections against predatory lending. She is a graduate of Harvard Law and Divinity Schools. Rachel is the parent of two young children, and a member of an inter-generational household with her kids, husband, and her parents, outside of DC.
Denise Daniels, PhD is the inaugural Hudson T. Harrison Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship at Wheaton College (IL). Previously she was Professor of Management at Seattle Pacific University. She earned a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from the University of Washington. Her scholarly interests include meaningful work, Sabbath, leadership, gender, and motivation. Denise is the co-Principal Investigator on a $1.8M research project funded by the Lilly Endowment examining how people in the United States understand and engage their faith at work. She serves on the corporate board of a FinTech company, and on the board of two non-profit organizations. Denise has been married to Craig for 28 years and they have four adolescent and young adult children.
Jax Heil is an Associate Consultant with DataWise Consulting, LLC. Since joining the DataWise team in 2020, Jax has considered himself a research generalist with a special interest in qualitative research such as interviews and focus groups. He works closely with non-profits, religious organizations, and educational entities at DataWise, focusing on issues such as workforce development, housing, and childcare. Jax considers himself a macro social worker, graduating with his Bachelor of Social Work from Calvin University, Master of Social Work from Michigan State University, and is entering a Social Work PhD program in the fall of 2023 at the University of Denver. Outside of work, he enjoys running and empowering student-athletes through sport.
Milinda Ysasi leads Grow, a community development financial instituion in West Michigan focused on providing knowledge and capital to small business owners.
Prior to Grow, Milinda worked at the SOURCE, a nonprofit focused on providing wrap around supports to front line workers. She also worked in the private sector in a variety of human resources roles. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids.
Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda received her executive MBA from Michigan State University.
Voices from the Pandemic Workplace Research Brief
Grief Work: An article by Rachel Anderson on the significance of honoring grief at work