Wisconsin's Workforce Equation:
Population, Talent, and Education

Wisconsin’s economic future depends not only on the jobs we create, but on whether we can attract and retain the people needed to fill them. This presentation will bring together findings from three recent Wisconsin Policy Forum publications examining Wisconsin’s “brain drain” challenge, population change and migration trends, and the economic value of higher education. Together, the research tells a nuanced story: Wisconsin faces growing demographic challenges as natural population growth disappears and international migration slows, while the state continues to struggle to attract college-educated adults. At the same time, the jobs Wisconsin expects to add in the coming years demonstrate that higher education remains a valuable investment for those who complete a degree. The presentation will explore what these trends mean for employers, educators, policymakers, and communities working to build Wisconsin’s workforce.

Checked In, but Checked Out: Re-Engaging the Disengaged Workforce

What happens when employees are physically present but mentally checked out? This keynote explores the signs and causes of workplace disengagement, including the “quiet quitting” mindset, and offers practical strategies leaders can use to re-engage their teams. Attendees will learn how to build a workplace culture where employees feel valued, connected, and motivated to contribute.

Bridging Businesses and Young Talent

You don't need to leave here knowing exactly what you want to do...Our goal is for you to understand what's available and who to contact when you're ready to take the next step.

Building tomorrow's workforce starts by connecting students with businesses today. This session will explore internships, youth apprenticeships, project-based learning, career experiences, and registered apprenticeships that help students connect education to real-world opportunities. Employers will gain practical ideas for engaging and how to connect with talent and building their future workforce.

Community Wellness as a Talent Attraction Strategy

What if attracting and retaining talent starts with more than what happens inside the workplace? People choose where they work based in part on where they want to live, connect, and build a life. This session will explore how employers and communities can work together to create environments that support well-being, belonging, and quality of life—while strengthening workforce recruitment and retention. Drawing on the Blue Zones model and emerging local initiatives, we’ll look at practical ways businesses can help shape a healthier, more connected community and turn community well-being into a competitive workforce advantage.

New Employee Relocation Incentive Program

Family Friendly Workplaces, Inc. (FFW) is launching an employer-integrated talent recruitment initiative across a four-county region in northwestern Wisconsin. The project uses two pathways: the Employer Pathway, which connects incentives to accepted job offers from Certified Family Friendly employers in high-demand sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, education, and local government, and the Young-Family Pathway, which prioritizes households with dependent children or those expecting a child to ensure long-term community impact. The project will include direct relocation incentives which will be verified after a six-month residency period as well as the enhancement of the regional digital talent attraction platform, www.discovernwwi.com.