SMLR Research Centers

The Center for Global Work and Employment explores the consequences of increased transnational competition for labor markets, employment relations, and workplace conflicts around the world. In tracking the changing governance of work, it engages with strategic responses by businesses, workers, and public authorities.

The Center for Innovation in Worker Organization is a "think and do tank" whose mission is the promotion of strong workers' organizations. The center's objectives are to facilitate the generation and dissemination of ideas, strategies, and programs for newly emergent as well as established worker centers, community organizations, labor unions, and their local, state, and national networks.

The Center for the Study of Collaboration in Work and Society has achieved a national reputation for work on major organizational change, particularly in union settings. In general, the center promotes more participative and team-based systems of work.

The Center for Women and Work addresses the needs of working women. The center studies public policies that affect women, fosters and disseminates research on issues that concern working women, and sponsors educational programs for women, policymakers, corporate leaders, and community groups.  

The Center for Work and Health conducts research on health care work organizations, labor relations in health care organizations, human resource management in health care organizations, and the impact of the aforementioned on organizational performance. Established in 2013, the center focuses on workforce development for the health care sector, public policy concerning health insurance and access to health care (including health insurance as an employment-based benefit), and the impact of work on workers' physical and mental health.

The Education and Employment Research Center (EERC) is housed within the School of Management and Labor Relations. EERC conducts research and evaluations on education and workforce development programs and policies.

The Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing promotes the study of the various models that have emerged and will emerge of employee ownership shares and profit shares in the corporation and society of the United States and around the world. The institute explores approaches that broaden financial participation and inclusion in the economy and business organizations and allow employees to be fully engaged and share the rewards of their work. 

The NJ/NY Center for Employee Ownership promotes better understanding of the values of employee ownership among business leaders, public officials, employees, members of the media, students, teachers, nonprofit leaders, consumers, and other persons and organizations in New Jersey and New York.

The Occupational Training and Education Consortium (OTEC) has led a range of workforce development projects supported through federal, state, and foundation sources. With a focus on work environment issues including occupational and environmental health and safety, OTEC develops grant-funded partnerships with employers, unions, and community-based groups. OTEC projects seek to increase the communication and problem-solving skills of individuals and the effectiveness of their organizations. 

The Program for Disability Research conducts and coordinates research on the economic, social, and political inclusion of people with disabilities. It focuses on two broad areas: employment and political participation of people with disabilities.