In recent discussions around workforce challenges, the spotlight has often been on the lack of job-ready skills. However, Mike Rowe, the CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, identifies another pressing issue: a dwindling drive to work.
“The skills gap is indeed a reality, but so is the gap in willingness,” remarked the 63-year-old former TV host during a recent interview with Fox Business.
Rowe pointed out a concerning statistic: 6.8 million “able-bodied men” are not just unemployed, but they’re also not actively looking for work. “We’ve never experienced anything like this during peacetime,” he noted.
So, what’s chipping away at America’s renowned work ethic, according to Rowe? Well, if we look at the figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s a clear trend. While women’s participation in the workforce has been fairly consistent since the early 1990s, men’s participation has been on a downward slope, from 86.6% in 1948 to just 68% by 2024.
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) adds another layer to this conversation. It highlights that for men in their prime working years (ages 25 to 54), the participation rate has slipped from 98% in September 1954 to 89% in January 2024.
Interestingly, 28% of these men claim they are not working by choice, which backs up Rowe’s assertion about the waning desire for employment. Yet, it’s no simple story. The survey also revealed that 57% of prime-age men cite mental or physical health issues as barriers, challenging Rowe’s assumption of them being “able-bodied.”
Moreover, 47% of these men point to a lack of training, outdated skills, or unremarkable work history as significant hurdles. There’s a silver lining, though, and Rowe’s bright idea speaks to this segment specifically.
To engage more men in the labor market, Rowe advocates for expanding skill training opportunities. Through his foundation, since 2008, he’s awarded $8.5 million in scholarships, helping over 1,800 individuals enter skilled trades programs nationwide.
“My mission with mikeroweWORKS isn’t to help the largest number of people,” he shared with Fox Business. “Instead, it’s about supporting those who share our worldview and are willing to chase the work. Those ready to embrace what looks a lot like work ethic here in 2025.”
In line with Rowe’s efforts, the BPC has suggested widening the eligibility for Pell Grants to make financial aid more accessible. As of 2024, about 34% of undergraduate students benefit from these grants, according to the Education Data Initiative.
For men grappling with mental and physical challenges, expanding workplace support could be crucial for rejoining the workforce. More than half of prime-age unemployed men surveyed by BPC expressed that health insurance plays a significant role in their decision to return to work.
Other vital benefits include paid sick leave, disability accommodations, flexible schedules, and medical leave. Mental health benefits are also crucial for many—40% of respondents stated their importance, and 28% believed they might have stayed at their last job if paid medical leave had been available.
Though these solutions might be intricate and costly, boosting male workforce participation could provide substantial economic advantages, like reducing inflation and spurring growth, as highlighted in a 2023 study by the Center for American Progress.
Please note, this article is intended for informational purposes and is not meant to serve as advice. It is offered without any warranties.
