nep-nud New Economics Papers
on Nudge and Boosting
Issue of 2025–05–12
two papers chosen by
Marco Novarese, Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale
  1. Closing the Mismatch: Encouraging Jobseekers to Reskill for Shortage Occupations By Leduc, Elisabeth; Tojerow, Ilan
  2. The Economics of Encouragement: Can A Simple Email Shape Major Choice? By Olivia Edwards; Jonathan Meer
  1. By: Leduc, Elisabeth (Erasmus University Rotterdam); Tojerow, Ilan (Université Libre de Bruxelles)
    Abstract: We partner with a Public Employment Service to examine whether jobseekers can be encouraged to reskill for shortage occupations. In a large-scale field experiment involving 100, 000 recently unemployed individuals, we provide information on shortage occupations and related training opportunities. The intervention increased participation in transversal training courses by 6%, but did not boost enrolment in occupational training for shortage jobs. Jobseekers also shifted their search towards high-demand occupations, yet employment remained unchanged. These findings suggest that while low-cost informational interventions can influence job search and training behaviour, different approaches are likely needed to drive substantial reskilling among jobseekers.
    Keywords: Labour shortages, Training, Job search, RCT, Unemployment
    JEL: J24 J62 J68
    Date: 2025–02
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:iza:izadps:dp17731
  2. By: Olivia Edwards; Jonathan Meer
    Abstract: We examine the impact of encouragement emails sent to high-performing students in a principles of microeconomics course at a large state university, aimed at motivating them to take additional economics courses and consider an economics major or minor. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find some evidence of an increase in the likelihood of enrolling in intermediate microeconomics, especially for first-generation college students and underrepresented minorities, but limited effects on major switching or declaring an economics minor. Our findings suggest sustained interventions may be necessary to produce lasting effects
    JEL: I21 I24
    Date: 2025–04
    URL: https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33676
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