Case Study

Minnesota’s Employer Resource Network

Rural Southwest Minnesota faced low unemployment but persistent worker shortages, worsened by COVID-19. Employers such as Bethesda, a senior care provider, struggled to recruit and retain staff despite high demand.

Background

Rural Southwest Minnesota faced low unemployment but persistent worker shortages, worsened by COVID-19. Employers such as Bethesda, a senior care provider, struggled to recruit and retain staff despite high demand.

Intervention

The Southwest Initiative Foundation (SWIF) launched Minnesota’s first Employer Resource Network (ERN) in 2021, supported by a Bush Foundation Community Innovation grant. Employers pooled resources to fund a “success coach,” who provided confidential, one-on-one support to employees on barriers such as childcare, transportation, housing, financial insecurity, and mental health.

Outcomes

  • Employees received direct support that traditional HR could not provide, improving retention.
  • Employers reported stronger recruitment outcomes and improved reputation as “employers of choice.”
  • Regular cross-employer meetings allowed HR leaders to share trends and solutions.
  • The program encouraged inclusion of immigrant, refugee, and justice-involved populations.

Lessons Learned:

  • Success coaches address personal barriers that directly impact workforce stability.
  • Employer collaboration can lead to systemic improvements (e.g., transportation changes).
  • Pilot-phase subsidies encourage adoption, but long-term sustainability requires employer buy-in.
  • ERNs simultaneously support retention and recruitment in tight labor markets.