Why Hire Youth Workers?

Hiring young New Yorkers can bring numerous benefits to your business. Here are just a few:

• Diverse perspectives: Young New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds can bring new perspectives to your business. For instance, a young worker with a background in technology may introduce innovative solutions to streamline operations, while a young worker from a creative field may bring a unique artistic approach to marketing. By embracing diversity and inclusion, you can tap into the talent and creativity of the next generation of workers, driving innovation and growth in your organization.
• Innovative: Young workers can be more open to new ideas, are more likely to think outside the box, and are often more solution focused.
• Flexibility: Young workers are quick to catch on, which means quick  training and onboarding.
• Tech-savvy: Today’s young people  seamlessly integrate technology into their work, making them invaluable to businesses.
• Networking opportunities: Young workers can provide valuable connections and networking opportunities for your business. For example, by hiring a young worker with a strong social media presence, you may be able to tap into their vast network of connections and expand your online reach to new audiences. Their fresh perspective and willingness to adapt to new technologies could also help you stay ahead of the curve in your industry. This ultimately can lead to increased brand awareness, sales, and a competitive edge in your market.
• Energetic: Youth and young adults can bring refreshing enthusiasm and energy to the workplace.
• Hiring Incentives: Here are some tax credits and other hiring incentives that you can take advantage of when you hireyouth or young adults.
  • Youth Jobs Program for Young New Yorkers – Offers participating businesses tax credits upward of $7,500 per eligible hire.
  • Federal Bonding Program (FBP)  – Provides six to twelve months of free fidelity bonding coverage for businesses hiring eligible job seekers facing multiple barriers.
  • Workers Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and Workers (with Disabilities) Employment Tax Credit – Offers incentives for businesses to hire individuals from specific groups facing employment barriers, including individuals with disabilities, in New York State. 

• Gain work experience: Many young people want to gain valuable work experience and build their skills.
• Build their resume: Working for a reputable business can help build a strong resume and open doors to future opportunities.
• Earn money: Let's face it, many young people want to earn money and gain financial independence.
• Develop new skills: Working for a business can provide opportunities to learn new skills and develop new abilities.

We understand there may be some reluctance to hiring youth workers. Thankfully there are a wide array of services and incentives to help your business tap into this resource. 

• Contact Business Services: The New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) offers services at the local level to help break down barriers and provide guidance on hiring young workers. Find out more here: .
• Protect Youth Workers Pledge: Signing the pledge can help ensure that your business demonstrates it is providing a safe and healthy work environment for young workers.
• Federal Bonding Program: The NYS Federal Bonding Program provides up to $25,000 of fidelity bonding coverage for businesses who hire individuals with involvement in the criminal justice system, those who have limited work experience, and more. This provides a safety net against employee theft or misconduct.
• Youth Jobs Program: Learn more about the Youth Jobs Program and how it can benefit your business. 
• Child Labor Law Hub: Information and resources related to  child labor laws in New York State, including requirements, regulations, and guidelines for employers, employees, and parents. 
• Keeping Youth Safe in the Workplace: Get resources and guidance on how to keep young workers safe while on the job. 
• Protect Youth Workers Pledge: Take the pledge and commit to providing a safe and healthy work environment for young workers. 

• Commit to protecting youth workers: Sign the Youth Worker Pledge!
• Provide training and mentorship: Provide access to training and mentorship programs to help young workers develop their skills and build their confidence.
• Create a flexible work environment: Offer flexible scheduling and work arrangements to accommodate the needs of young workers.
• Foster a positive work culture: Create a positive and inclusive work culture that encourages open communication and collaboration.
• Develop a retention strategy: Develop a strategy to retain talent, such as offering opportunities for advancement or providing incentives for long-term employment.
• Communicate effectively: Communicate effectively with young workers by using language that is clear and easy to understand, and by being responsive to their needs and concerns.
• Streamline your hiring process: The online job market allows job seekers to cast a wider net in their employment search. Avoid lengthy applications with duplicative options, and if possible, incorporate mobile friendly applications.
• Highlight how your business supports a healthy work-life balance:
  • Offer flexible scheduling: Many young workers have school or family commitments that require flexible scheduling.
  • Explicitly discuss benefits: Young people without much previous work experience may need help understanding how benefit packages work and how they can make best use of them.
• Highlight how your business champions its employees:
  • Provide opportunities for advancement: Young workers are eager to learn and to grow, so offering opportunities for advancement can be a major draw.
  • DEIA: Mention diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) practices in job postings and during the interviewing process.
• Embrace technology: Work to make paper processes digital, consider ways workflows can be simplified with generative artificial intelligence tools, and remain open to adopting new technology solutions as they emerge.
• Create a positive work environment: A positive and supportive work environment can make your business an attractive place for young workers to start their careers.