Fargo Moorhead West Fargo is a vibrant and evolving community, with a wealth of opportunities for attracting and retaining talent. From innovative workforce development programs to fostering inclusive environments, local leaders are creating strategies that are not only changing the way we think about work but also making it possible for businesses to grow and thrive.

Local experts at The Chamber’s recent Workforce Forum shared six strategies for creating a supportive, inclusive and sustainable workforce ecosystem in our region.

1. Fostering Belonging Through Culture

A thriving culture is essential for attracting and retaining talent, and creating spaces that foster a sense of belonging can lead to higher employee engagement. Joe Burgum, Co-Founder of Folkways, emphasized that combating social isolation and promoting belonging through shared experiences significantly impacts workplace dynamics. Folkways does this by facilitating community spaces where people can connect, collaborate and contribute to a shared purpose. This sense of belonging helps employees feel valued, increasing productivity and retention.

Actionable Strategy: Invest in community-building initiatives that foster connections between employees, whether through social events, collaborative projects or shared experiences.

2. Supporting Self-Sufficiency and Employment

For individuals facing economic challenges, targeted career support programs can make a significant impact. Ashley Littlewolf, Assistant Coordinator at SENDCAA, shared how the Career Coach program helps low-income individuals overcome barriers to employment and gain financial independence. Through personalized coaching and guidance, SENDCAA empowers participants to find sustainable jobs, ultimately strengthening the workforce and improving quality of life.

Actionable Strategy: Implement career coaching or mentorship programs that give individuals the tools and support to succeed in the workforce.

3. Expanding Access to Good Jobs

The Good Jobs Challenge aims to assist underserved populations in securing well-paying jobs. Grace Rebel, Career and Education Coordinator for the FMWF Chamber, discussed how this initiative is for individuals who often face barriers to employment and seeks to provide resources and training to break those barriers down. By helping 900 individuals gain access to good-paying jobs, the initiative strengthens both the local economy and workforce.

Actionable Strategy: Collaborate with local organizations to offer job training, career resources and employment opportunities for underserved populations to bridge the employment gap.

4. Integrating Refugees into the Workforce

Dan Hannaher, ND Field Director for Global Refuge, highlighted the significant advantages of integrating refugees into the local workforce. This approach not only addresses workforce shortages but also enriches the community with diverse skills and perspectives. Mutual support between refugees and the local population fosters a stronger, more inclusive economy.

Actionable Strategy: Develop mentorship, language support and job placement programs to help refugees and immigrants integrate into the workforce and build sustainable career paths.

5. Guiding Individuals to Long-Term Success

Mentorship is often the key to overcoming barriers and ensuring long-term career success. Bill Burnside, Team Leader at Moorhead Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP), highlighted that funding is important, but guidance and mentorship are essential for helping individuals navigate career challenges. RMCEP’s program focuses on providing the support needed to help individuals build confidence and succeed in their chosen fields.

Actionable Strategy: Pair individuals with mentors who can offer personalized guidance, helping them build skills and overcome challenges to achieve their career goals.

6. Virtual Reality for Career Exploration

Emerging technologies, like virtual reality (VR), offer innovative ways to explore career paths. Matt Chaussee, CEO/Co-Founder of CareerViewXR, introduced VR job tours, which allow students and career seekers to explore industries and jobs they might never have considered. These immersive experiences help people make more informed career choices and broaden their career horizons.

Actionable Strategy: Use immersive technology, such as VR, to help students and job seekers explore potential career paths and industries through interactive experiences.

Building a Stronger Workforce Together

These insights shared by local leaders offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to create a more inclusive and sustainable workforce. By adopting these strategies, you can help shape a thriving talent ecosystem in Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo. A diverse and supported workforce not only drives success today but also sets the stage for long-term growth.

Now is the time to take action—together, we can build a community where talent thrives, employees feel empowered and opportunities for success are within reach for everyone.

To unlock new perspectives, actionable strategies and the tools you need to champion inclusion in your workplace and community, consider attending Inclusion Insights, on Jan. 22, Feb. 12 and March 12.