In this passionate call to action, next-economy researchers Jess Rimington and Joanna Cea describe practices individuals and organizations can use to break away from economic models that fail most people, urging readers to work towards a more loving form of capitalism. Stories of organizations that have achieved genuine collaboration and outstanding business outcomes bolster their case. For readers dissatisfied with business as usual, Rimington and Cea outline seven innovative business practices to improve work and the wider world.
Work isn’t working for the great majority of people.
Workers in the United States often juggle child care responsibilities with two or more jobs and unpredictable work schedules. Many jobs offer no set hours and few or no benefits, and employers often require workers to sign punitive nondisclosure contracts. In addition, many employees work in precarious at-will arrangements where employers can release them at any time for virtually any reason. Other employers offer no work guarantees in the rapidly expanding gig economy. In response, many American workers say they suffer high stress levels and burnout.
Work often contributes to strife at home, isolation and unhealthy coping mechanisms. Relentless work demands can produce chronic health conditions that sometimes lead to early death. And work often leaves too little time for more healthy and nurturing life pursuits. In addition, the economic framework in which work occurs damages the environment, as producers plunder forests and other resources, depleting collective natural wealth to enrich the few.
The US economy largely benefits the privileged few – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
In the simplest...
Jess Rimington is a scholar and strategist focused on the methodologies and ethics of emerging economic systems. Joanna Cea is co-director of the Beloved Economies initiative, which researches models for improving work and the US economy.
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