Mill Talk: The Disposable Workforce: Why, How Much, and Consequences For Workers and For Employers

Mill Talk: The Disposable Workforce examines why employers rely on freelancers, contractors, part-time staff, and other workers who may be legally employed but remain outside traditional career paths. Paul Osterman will draw on a large nationally representative survey and interviews for his book, *Disposable Workers: The Transformation of Employment*, arguing that employers view roughly 35 percent of the adult workforce as disposable. The discussion considers the effects on worker well-being and business performance while also acknowledging that some workers prefer this arrangement and that employers need flexibility.

Osterman will also discuss possible strategies for addressing the challenges of disposable employment. He is professor emeritus of human resources and management at the MIT Sloan School of Management and a member of MIT’s Department of Urban Planning. His work focuses on workplace organization, career development, economic development, urban poverty, job training, and employment policy. He previously served as deputy dean of MIT Sloan, held senior administrative roles in Massachusetts job-training programs, and advised government agencies, foundations, community organizations, businesses, and public-interest groups. He is the author or editor of numerous books on labor markets, management, careers, public policy, and the future of work.

When: Wednesday, December 2, 2026

Showtimes: 7:00 PM–8:00 PM

Tickets: Free to the public; registration is required.

Speaker: Paul Osterman

Venue: Charles River Museum of Industry and Innovation

Address: 154 Moody Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453

Run time: Approximately one hour

Presented by: Paul Osterman

Series note: Mill Talks are supported by the Lowell Institute.