Young people have unique skills, enthusiasm and innovative ideas. They can contribute to your organisation’s missions and values, and help you stay up-to-date.
Young people aren’t one All the same.homogenous group who are all into the same things.
Like all people, they’re diverse – each young person is a unique individual, with their own personal talents, skills and interests. And each young person’s identity will be shaped by their own social and cultural backgrounds and experiences.
Some of the benefits for involving young people from diverse backgrounds includes:
-
Better representation of community members.
-
Improved quality of service across the community.
-
Strengthened relationships within communities.
-
Increased understanding and appreciation of different cultures.
Young employees bring an attitude of openness to your workplace. They celebrate difference, value equity and inclusion, and can often bring fresh perspectives from their lived experiences.1
Employing young people helps to keep the organisation’s culture lively and engaging and can make other young people see your organisation as youth-friendly and approachable.1
Young person seated at a table speaking.
Young people are naturals when it comes to using technology. They grow up with it and use it in almost every aspect of their life; education, social interactions, gaming, arts and hobbies, service use and even to attend events.
These experiences mean that young people are uniquely placed to organically interact with technology. So, lean into these strengths and embrace their expertise to help adapt and use new processes, technologies and platforms.1
Involving young people in your organisation can actively bridge a connection between different parts of communities, especially between older and younger people. It can break down the barrier of ‘us’ and ‘them’, showing that we can all work together towards a common goal.1
Young people have varied connections that may benefit your organisation - think of all the networks they’re part of (schools, sporting clubs, volunteer groups, etc.).
Young people are motivated to learn new skills and apply themselves to their workplaces and grow into new roles and opportunities – give them a go and see the benefits it brings to your organisations.
Outdoor activity with young people and youth workers. Everyone is smiling and laughing.
- Headspace. 2021. The advantages of hiring young employees. https://headspace.org.au/professionals-and-educators/employers/mental-health-at-work/the-advantages-of-hiring-young-employees/