"This report examines the question of the future of work and technology through two issues. One is how digitization can enhance the work life of low-income workers by addressing the specific needs of these workers at their workspace and in their neighborhoods. Low-wage workers can gain from the development of digitized apps and tools that address their needs. The high-end worker is already a full and effective user of these technologies, and in the US, most digital applications have been geared to the middle classes and high-end workers and households. Very little has been developed to meet the needs for low-income workers, their families, and their neighborhoods. This is a bad and sad state of affairs given the needs of these workers and families. The data indicate that most of these workers and their families have access to digital apps, and are willing to spend some money on acquiring apps. We also know that access to digital apps is overwhelmingly through their phones–especially Android phones, rather than through email or iPhones–which is another constraint that leaves many low-income potential users of digital apps at a disadvantage. We need more innovations that meet the needs and constraints of low-wage workers."

Support: Digital