Ep. 54: The $600B Care Economy: Why Change Starts at the Top
Mon Feb 02 2026
What if we told you that there's a workforce issue with a $600 billion—with a B—impact on our economy? Spoiler alert: there is.
In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Jesse Matton, Director of Corporate Social Impact Policies at the National Partnership for Women & Families, about why the care economy may be the most important workplace issue leaders can’t afford to ignore. Jesse explains how *real* change starts at the top, and why companies need to take themselves to the policy table instead of waiting on someone else to lead. She makes the case for caregiving policies as some of the most equitable and powerful investments organizations can make, while showing how employee pulse surveys reveal the real needs of today’s workforce. Kamber and Jesse also tackle the brokenness of care in this country, the growing demand from women for structural support and flexibility, and why “caregiver” has become one of the most common ways employees define themselves. And for companies afraid of getting it wrong? Jesse urges them to start anyway—policies can and should evolve over time. This is a powerful discussion that reframes caregiving as central to equity, retention, and the future of work—don't miss out on this conversation.
Learn more about Jesse's impactful work with NPWF: https://nationalpartnership.org/.
Explore how Generational Performance Solutions is bridging generational differences: https://genperformance.com/.
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What if we told you that there's a workforce issue with a $600 billion—with a B—impact on our economy? Spoiler alert: there is. In this episode of The Great Retention, Kamber talks with Jesse Matton, Director of Corporate Social Impact Policies at the National Partnership for Women & Families, about why the care economy may be the most important workplace issue leaders can’t afford to ignore. Jesse explains how *real* change starts at the top, and why companies need to take themselves to the policy table instead of waiting on someone else to lead. She makes the case for caregiving policies as some of the most equitable and powerful investments organizations can make, while showing how employee pulse surveys reveal the real needs of today’s workforce. Kamber and Jesse also tackle the brokenness of care in this country, the growing demand from women for structural support and flexibility, and why “caregiver” has become one of the most common ways employees define themselves. And for companies afraid of getting it wrong? Jesse urges them to start anyway—policies can and should evolve over time. This is a powerful discussion that reframes caregiving as central to equity, retention, and the future of work—don't miss out on this conversation. Learn more about Jesse's impactful work with NPWF: https://nationalpartnership.org/. Explore how Generational Performance Solutions is bridging generational differences: https://genperformance.com/.