On October 11 at 3 p.m. ET, Commonwealth is convening a panel of experts from APCO Global, Harvard Business School, and Walmart to discuss how unusual or extreme weather is affecting worker financial security in the United States—and what actions employers, financial institutions, the government, and other organizations can take to mitigate its effect on financial well-being.

In 2023, the world was experiencing its hottest summer on record, with unprecedented heat waves rolling through the United States and the globe. Meanwhile, U.S. workers, particularly for labor-intensive jobs, service positions, and/or those who are working outdoors, are increasingly feeling the effects of climate change—as are their employers. In fact, a 2020 report indicated that the U.S. loses an average of $100 billion a year due to heat-induced declines in labor productivity. 

The increase in extreme or unusual weather events has implications on worker productivity, employers’ bottom lines, and employees’ financial security. This webinar takes a first look at Commonwealth’s original, new research and the realities of how climate change is currently and will continue to affect workers’ finances, their health, well-being, and living situations.

Panelists:

• Liliana Diaz of APCO Global will discuss climate’s impact on worker productivity; how corporations are responding to extreme climate impacts that affect their workers, and the rationale for doing so; and possible policy/regulatory development.  
• Timothy Flacke of Commonwealth will moderate and share Commonwealth’s new research on workers’ perception of climate change on their financial well-being and other areas.
• Julie Gehrki of Walmart and Walmart Foundation will discuss how one of the world’s largest employers is taking steps to support its associates in the wake of increased disasters due to climate change.
• Emily Williams of Harvard Business School will share her team’s research and insights into climate change’s impact on workers’ finances. Emily’s work leverages big data to uncover insights about household balance sheets and financial security, particularly people earning low incomes in vulnerable communities. 

We’ll also share a look at Commonwealth’s new research on how climate change is impacting worker financial security, and their perceptions of which institutions should help.

Ready to sign up? Register today to join the webinar and add to the conversation.