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Why you should be employing younger staffThe workforce is changing. The average age of workers is rising, and the number of young people entering the workforce is declining. This is a concern in a country where youth unemployment is so high. Young people in South Africa are underemployed at higher rates than older people on the job market. According to Stats SA, by the end of the first quarter of 2023, the underemployment rate was 6.3% for 15 - 24 years of age, and 5.2% for those aged 24 - 34. This is significantly higher than the national rate (4.9%). ![]() Image source: fauxels from Pexels Here is why it is important to hire younger staff, how they can benefit your business, and how to go about hiring younger staff. The importance of hiring younger staffYoung people bring new ideas and perspectives to the workplace. They are more likely to be familiar with new technologies and trends, and they can help businesses to stay ahead of the curve. Younger staff are often more adaptable and willing to learn new things. They are not afraid of change, and they are eager to take on new challenges. This can be an asset for businesses that are constantly evolving. Young people can also bring with them energy and enthusiasm that older staff sometimes cannot. They can bring a fresh new spirit to the workplace, and they can help to create a more positive and productive environment. By hiring young people, businesses can gain access to new ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. They can also save money on salaries and benefit costs, and they can build a more long-term workforce. Marc Benoiff, CEO of Salesforce had this to say about hiring young people: We need to stop thinking of young people as a liability and start thinking of them as an asset. They are the ones who are going to be driving innovation in the future, and we need to harness their energy and creativity. The benefits of hiring younger staffHiring younger staff could be just what you need to take your business to the next level. They bring with them a different worldview, fresh outlook, and a willingness to learn. Here are some of the key benefits:
Debunking common concernsOf course, there are common concerns about hiring younger staff. Some employers worry that young people are not as experienced or reliable as older workers. Others worry that they will be too demanding or that they will not fit in with the existing culture. Here are some concerns and why they are largely overstated:
We find that often the things that are seen as weaknesses in the workplace are the result of young people not being given enough time to develop the necessary skills and experience to navigate the working world. By taking these young people on, giving them the opportunities, and mentoring them into their roles, you create team members who are passionate, enthusiastic, and full of fresh ideas. Some top tips for hiring younger staffIf you are looking for ways to attract and retain younger employees, there are a number of things you can do. By following these tips, you can attract more young people to your company and build a more diverse and dynamic workforce:
By taking these steps, you can create a workplace where young people can thrive. And in doing so, you can benefit from their fresh ideas, energy, and enthusiasm. About the authorSasha Knott is the CEO and Kelly Louw, the COO, of Job Crystal. Job Crystal is a leading innovator in the field of recruitment AI, dedicated to creating cutting-edge technologies that help make a dent in unemployment. With a strong focus on ethics, transparency, and human collaboration, we strive to develop AI systems that empower individuals and organisations while upholding the highest standards of responsibility. |