Young people facing disadvantage have experienced particular unemployment challenges through the pandemic and it is crucial that employers create jobs and workplaces where they can develop and build long-term careers.
As part of our programme of evidence-building as a What Works Centre, Youth Futures commissioned the Center for Evidence Based Management to review existing high-quality evidence about what works in retaining young people from marginalised backgrounds in work. The Center is aligned to our mission of promoting evidence-based practice with businesses, policymakers and our other partners
We’ve also partnered with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) to publish an evidence review aimed at employers. It builds on the previous review on recruiting young people facing disadvantage, to give evidence-based answers to these questions:
- What drives young people from marginalised backgrounds to leave or stay in their jobs?
- What can employers do to retain young people facing disadvantage?
- What can employers do to build inclusive work environments for young people facing disadvantage?
What are the key recommendations?
- Assess the key factors that drive employee turnover – such as their ability to cope with demands, job benefits, opportunities to progress and social interactions – and make improvements where needed.
- To improve retention of young employees from ethnic minorities, use surveys and discussions to understand their social interactions.
- Use structured processes in assessments for promotion and development opportunities in order to minimise bias.
- Build managers’ awareness of their role in fostering inclusion in their teams and develop behaviours and leadership styles that are associated with inclusive climates.
- Provide diversity training to foster genuine change in the organisation, rather than it being merely a compliance exercise.
Find out more:
Download the CIPD practice summary and recommendations for practical guidance for employers.
Download our scientific summary, produced in partnership with the Center for Evidence-Based Management (CEBMa), for further methodology and technical information on the research.
