Defining good work is complex, but important. Young people’s needs and experiences must be part of this conversation.
By understanding what good work means for young people, we’re one step closer to a system that empowers them to achieve it.
High levels of employment don’t necessarily equal a healthy and productive workforce. The quality of work – whether people are in ‘good’ jobs – has a huge impact. It influences health, wellbeing and living standards; it shapes productivity, inclusion and social progress; and it can transform the economy.
That’s why our vision is not only a future where every young person can access employment – but a future where every young person can achieve good work.
Pay and benefits
Contracts / terms of employment
Work-life balance
Job design and nature of work
Relationships at work
Employee voice
Health and wellbeing
We’re using this evidence to inform change in policy and practice, for a system where every young person can achieve good work.
In partnership with Workwhile, we worked with a group of marginalised young people to understand ‘good work’ from their perspective. Being able to talk about good work in the words of those most affected by unequal access is a vital pillar of our continuing work to drive evidence-based change.
With young people’s voices as the foundation, we developed a measurable, qualitative definition of ‘good work’ for young people.
Good work is secure and stable, fairly rewarded and inclusive. It supports health, wellbeing and work–life balance. It provides purpose and progression, values diversity and voice, and builds positive relationships, enabling people to thrive.
Security and stability
Fair pay and benefits
Inclusion and having a voice
Health and wellbeing
Work-life balance
Meaningful work
Development and progression
Relationships at work
The dimensions of good work for young people align with those established for all working age adults in the CIPD Good Work Index – supporting us to best measure the extent to which young people are experiencing good work, and to better understand what’s needed to improve access to and opportunities for good jobs.
