SHRM Expands Economic Research and Analysis to Advise Future-Forward Workplace Innovation

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – In a bold move to shape the future of work, SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, worker, and workplace, proudly announces the expansion of its economic research capabilities. This strategic enhancement is designed to offer unprecedented insights into labor market dynamics, ensuring that CEOs, HR professionals, politicos, and workplace leaders stay proactive, predictive, and ahead of the curve in their pursuit to make better workplaces.

As part of the expansion, SHRM welcomes three distinguished researchers—James Atkinson, Justin Ladner, and Sydney Ross — who bring a wealth of expertise and a commitment to leveraging data for transformative workplace insights.

SHRM’s expanded economic research function will include:

Future Forecasting for Strategic Workforce Planning

At the heart of SHRM's expanded research efforts is the ability to forecast future labor market trends. By analyzing current and historical data, the team will provide predictions on employment trends, skill requirements, and the evolving landscape of job roles. This foresight will empower organizations to strategically plan their workforce, ensuring they are prepared for the shifts and demands of tomorrow’s labor market.

Predictive Analysis on Technological Advancements

In an era where technology is rapidly transforming job roles and skills requirements, SHRM’s research will offer critical predictive analysis. By understanding the potential impacts of technological advancements, HR leaders can develop training and development programs that equip employees with the necessary skills to thrive in a tech-driven world. This proactive approach ensures that businesses remain competitive and resilient in the face of technological disruption.

Proactive Insights on Demographic Shifts

Demographic shifts have profound implications for talent acquisition and retention strategies. SHRM’s research will provide proactive insights into these shifts, helping organizations develop inclusive and effective strategies to attract and retain a diverse workforce. By understanding demographic trends, HR leaders can create workplaces that are not only diverse but also equitable and welcoming to all.

With their dedication to harnessing data for transformative insights on various workplace topics, Atkinson, Ladner, and Ross will empower workplace leaders to be at the forefront of economic shifts and policy advocacy efforts.

Dr. James Atkinson brings more than 15 years of experience in research, data, and product development to SHRM. Having excelled in his recent positions as Vice President of Data Products at Payscale and as the Managing Vice President of Data Products for nine years at Gartner, Atkinson continuously strives to help people find the best approach to making decisions in HR using applied research.

Atkinson’s work has been featured in leading business journals and media outlets such as the Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Ohio State University.

Dr. Justin Ladner steps into the role of Senior Labor Economist at SHRM, bringing profound expertise in labor market trends and issues impacting both employers and employees. With a focus on occupational mobility, employee training, recruiting, and retention, Ladner is committed to using data and analytics to drive meaningful policy improvements.

Holding advanced degrees in economics from the University of Michigan and Boston University, Ladner's research acumen and commitment to evidence-based decision-making will be instrumental in shaping SHRM's research agenda.

Sydney Ross joins SHRM as a Junior Economic Researcher, offering a wealth of knowledge in international economics and regulatory policy, along with her personal experience living overseas. With a strong background in economic development and industrial policy, her expertise in regional economies and industrial capacity will illuminate critical aspects of the human resources landscape.

Ross holds a B.A. in Economics and Italian from Temple University and an M.Sc. in European Economy and Business Law from the University of Rome Tor Vergata. Her unique perspective and analytical skills are invaluable assets to SHRM's mission of fostering thriving workplaces.

“We are thrilled to welcome James, Justin, and Sydney to SHRM. Their addition is a testament to our dedication to advancing data-driven research and insights in HR,” said Alex Alonso, Chief Data & Insights Officer at SHRM. “Their combined expertise and innovative thinking will deliver unparalleled information on the evolving landscape of human resources as well as foster healthy, inclusive workplace cultures.”

The insights Atkinson, Ladner, and Ross provide will help create connections to research-based innovative solutions for workplace leaders to drive stronger performance and promote employee well-being. SHRM members can leverage their insights to provide their organizations with leading-edge knowledge and strategies, from labor market trends to economic impacts and HR best practices.

About SHRM

SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.