The Fruits of Our Labor: Essays on Work and Its Impacts

Abstract

The structure of work---and how it interacts with constraints outside of work---has substantial impacts on workers. The first essay documents that higher wages are associated with higher productivity, lower turnover and enhanced recruitment. The second essay notes that even when there is not explicit gender-based discrimination, demands of scheduling flexibility can lead to a gender earnings gap in take-home pay. The third essay documents a randomized controlled trial that seeks to reduce failure to appear in court hearings by reminding defendants and by offering personalized assistance, which can help them navigate the timing of court and work. In these papers, I largely focus on low-wage workers.