Policy and Practice June 2017

from our collaborative centers

By Kerry Desjardins

Utilizing Our Understanding of Brain Science to Strengthen Workforce Engagement (Part II)

A PHSA’s Center for Employment and Economic Well-Being (CEEWB) is looking deeper into how the chronic stress of economic inse- curity affects people’s work readiness and employability, and how we can utilize this understanding to better serve and empower unemployed and underemployed workers. In the last issue of Policy and Practice , “Utilizing Our Understanding of Brain Science to Strengthen Workforce Engagement (Part I)” explained how the conditions of poverty can negatively affect the development of the brain that deals with executive functioning such as decision-making, goal-setting, and goal-attainment skills. These are the skills that low-income people need to succeed in employment opportuni- ties that can lead to self-sufficiency. Fortunately, we have learned that the developed adult brain is flexible, so it is still possible for individuals to improve their executive functioning skills. The human services system, through successful case management models, is well positioned to help clients exercise and improve their execu- tive functioning skills, an important step toward alleviating the condi-

executive functioning, such as stress, lack of sleep, poor health, or lack of social support. 3) Find ways to reduce the demands on executive functioning. This can be done in part by circumventing the need for executive functions. The Goal Achievement Framework These three strategies for improving executive functioning skills can be utilized within an emerging concept known as the Goal Achievement Framework to help clients prepare for, attain, and retain employment. This framework requires rigorous and purposeful assessment focused on individual skills. What is the overarching goal, what skills and resources are needed to achieve it, and what skills and resources does the participant have? The assess- ment identifies potential obstacles to

executive function–informed human services can help clients prepare for, attain, and retain employment. Exercising and Improving Executive Functions The first need is to look at what is necessary for individuals to improve their executive functioning skills. While ultimately it is up to individuals to strengthen their skills, execu- tive functioning expert Adele Diamond suggests there

tions that cause stress and divert cognitive resources away from a focus on self- improvement. Through its safety net programs, the human services system can reach clients and support a more secure, less stressful envi- ronment. But a more intense focus is needed for success. This article describes how

are three basic ways to help them improve the likelihood of success: 1 1) Work on strengthening and developing execu- tive functions by

training them, chal- lenging them, and practicing them. 2) Work on reducing things that impair

Photo illustration by Chris Campbell

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Policy&Practice June 2017