Welcoming youth into the workplace: Building bridges for successful integration

As we celebrate Youth Month, organisations have a unique opportunity to reflect on how they welcome and support young people entering the formal workplace for the first time. The transition from school or university to work is both exciting and challenging, and how organisations handle this critical phase can make a lasting impact on a young employee’s career trajectory, engagement, and retention. 

Why youth onboarding matters 

Youth entering the workforce bring fresh perspectives, technological fluency, and adaptability. However, they often lack the practical experience and contextual knowledge required to navigate the workplace confidently. Research shows that structured onboarding improves employee retention by 82% and productivity by over 70%. For young employees, effective onboarding is not just about learning the job—it’s about understanding workplace culture, expectations, and how they can add value. 

What organisations should do 

1. Create a youth-centric onboarding experience 
   Traditional onboarding may not address the unique needs of first-time workers. Consider including sessions on workplace etiquette, communication norms, and the unwritten rules of the office. Use relatable scenarios and interactive formats to build understanding and confidence. 

2. Assign mentors or buddies 
   Pairing young employees with more experienced colleagues helps them learn informally, ask questions freely, and build social connections. This relational support is key to lowering anxiety and enhancing engagement. 

3. Clarify expectations early and often 
   Clear communication about roles, responsibilities, performance metrics, and feedback channels gives young employees a sense of direction. Avoid assumptions about what they "should already know”. 

4. Encourage feedback and dialogue 
   Foster a culture where young employees feel safe to ask questions and share concerns. Schedule regular check-ins during the first 90 days to ensure support and early intervention if needed. 

5. Celebrate small wins 
   Recognising early achievements helps build confidence. Public acknowledgment of contributions reinforces belonging and motivates continued effort. 

Tips for young employees 

1. Be open to learning 
   Adjusting to the workplace takes time. Embrace every learning opportunity and understand that asking questions is a strength, not a weakness. 

2. Respect organisational culture 
   Observe and adapt to the company’s values, behaviours, and communication styles. Culture fit isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about aligning with shared professional norms. 

3. Seek feedback proactively 
   Don’t wait for performance reviews. Ask your manager or mentor for informal feedback on how you’re doing and where you can improve. 

4. Use support resources 
   Engage fully in onboarding activities, mentoring programmes, and training sessions. These are designed to support your success, not to test you. 

5. Build relationships 
   Take the initiative to introduce yourself, attend team events, and network internally. Connection accelerates comfort and opens doors for collaboration. 

Conclusion 

Welcoming youth into the workforce is more than a logistical task—it’s a strategic investment in the future. By fostering supportive, inclusive onboarding practices, organisations empower young professionals to thrive. And when young employees meet these efforts with curiosity, initiative, and openness, a powerful partnership for growth is formed. 

Useful resources for further reading 

BambooHR. (2023). First impressions are everything: 44 days to make or break a new hire. https://www.bamboohr.com/resources/data-at-work/data-stories/2023-onboarding-statistics 

Bauer, T. N. (2010). Onboarding new employees: Maximizing success. SHRM Foundation.  chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://penedulearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Onboarding-New-Employees_Maximizing-Success.pdf 

Devlin Peck. (2025, January 3). Employee onboarding statistics: Top trends & insights. https://www.devlinpeck.com/content/employee-onboarding-statistics 

Kirschner, P. (2024, December 2). Onboarding and unburdening: New rules for employee experience in 2025. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/philkirschner/2024/12/02/onboarding-and-unburdening-new-rules-for-employee-experience-in-2025/ 

Mosquera, P., & Soares, M. E. (2025). Onboarding: A key to employee retention and workplace well-being. Review of Managerial Science. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11846-025-00864-3  

People Science. (2023, June 8). Revolutionizing onboarding: Creating an impactful welcome for new hires. https://people-science.com/revolutionizing-onboarding-creating-an-impactful-welcome-for-new-hires 

Phelan, J. (2024, April 2). Onboarding new employees — without overwhelming them. Harvard Business Review. https://hbr.org/2024/04/onboarding-new-employees-without-overwhelming-them