The Key to Retaining Young Workers? Better Onboarding.

How can employers do a better job hiring and keeping young workers? New research from interviews with workforce development specialists focusing on young workers (particularly young workers of color) filling core production tasks in factories, health care, and administrative service firms sheds light on the social aspects of onboarding that can make or break a young worker’s experience. The authors offer ten ways employers can improve young workers’ onboarding experiences to sustain a mutually beneficial relationship: 1) Create career jobs, 2) Communicate opportunities for career progression, 3) Build positive relationships prior to hiring, 4) Ensure a positive first day reception, 5) Assign new hires a mentor, 6) Communicate and explain expectations clearly, 7) Create a culture where young workers can ask questions, 8) Understand their non-work lives, 9) Foster a climate of respect and dignity for everyone, and 10) Create a racially equitable workplace.