Young Workers
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways. Young workers hold the power of creating brighter future economy and society. This working group is often underestimated and underutilised as employers often prefer hiring candidates with more experience and proven skills.
It's important to remember and acknowledge intersectionality, as everyone has multiple identities, and experience discrimination and privilege in different ways.
Young workers hold the power of creating brighter future economy and society.
This working group is often underestimated and underutilised as employers often prefer hiring candidates with more experience and proven skills.
But employing younger people can be very beneficial for employers. Adaptable, keen to learn and full of energy, younger generations are a great asset to boost business productivity. They are also able to provide new ideas and perspectives that might improve older systems no longer functional. Training younger workers it’s also a smart move to guarantee the skills they apply in the workspace are the ones that best work for your business - and it might even result in having lifetime workers!
Youth in the workplace
Key Statistics
12.5% of youth (15-24 years old) are not in employment, education or training.
15% of young workers work in the construction industry.
24% of young worker report unfair waging.
22% of young workers work longer hours than per contract and/or are not paid for overtime.
15% suffer from harassment and discrimination.
Common workplace barriers
Struggle to find a job as per lack of experience.
Higher risks of discrimination and harassment.
Overworked and underpaid.
Unaware of their rights in the workplace and employers’ legal obligations.
Ongoing studies outside the workspace.
Lack of confidence.
Steps to include Young Workers in your workplace
Practical strategies
Pair younger workerswith senior workers with solid experience and great interpersonal skills.
Create a culture that acknowledges and accepts the contributions of people of all ages.
Trust your young workers and be open to listen to their ideas and contributions.
Create career opportunities for younger workers to upskill, to provide them with a bright future and the industry with a capable next generation.
Workplace policies
Zero-tolerance bullying and harassment policies.
Flexible working policies to support young workers who are studying.
Fair pay structure.
How to write job ads for this group
Use social media channels to reach younger audiences.
Avoid personal characteristics, like age.
Stress that attitude and willingness to learn are more important than skills and experience.
Highlight company’s policy on diversity.
Resources
Employing Young People | Young Employees | Auckland NZ
Youth Employment Toolkit - Youth Futures Foundation.
Hiring young people | Employment New Zealand
How to mentor your youth employees in work
How employers interview and onboard youth
How Employers Can Engage With a Youth Work Force
EMPLOYERS — CHAMBER EMPLOYMENT
Employer-Engagement-Toolkit_1.2.pdf
Mana in Mahi - For employers - Work and Income
Food and Fibre Skills Framework | Food and Fibre Centre of Vocational Excellence