The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has called for greater investment in skills development to help young people in the UK prepare for the changing demands of employment.
The organisation believes employers, education providers and government must work together to equip younger workers with the capabilities needed to protect their wellbeing, improve employability and support workplace productivity.
Addressing economic inactivity among young people
The announcement comes ahead of recommendations expected from Alan Milburn following his review into the reasons behind economic inactivity among young people in the UK.
IOSH believes improving access to relevant skills and workplace experience could help younger workers navigate employment challenges.
The organisation has highlighted attention management as one area where additional support could improve employees’ ability to manage workloads, maintain wellbeing and contribute to organisational productivity.
Developing skills for changing workplaces
IOSH is calling for greater emphasis on occupational health and safety, wellbeing, critical thinking, resilience and digital literacy.
The organisation believes these capabilities should be developed through education and practical workplace experience.
Resilience is identified as particularly important in helping young employees adapt to change and respond to evolving working environments.
Four priorities for employers and educators
IOSH has outlined a four point plan intended to improve employment outcomes for young people.
The first priority focuses on developing skills, confidence and employability through access to suitable work opportunities.
The second calls for employment arrangements that reflect the needs and expectations of younger workers.
Improving workplace design and wellbeing
The remaining priorities address workplace design and the development of personal resilience.
IOSH wants employers to adapt working systems to prevent and manage risks associated with poor job design, particularly those affecting younger employees.
It also recommends helping young workers develop the ability to regulate their attention and emotions while working.
The organisation believes coordinated action across business, education and government can help young people enter employment with stronger skills and greater confidence.
Macauley Quinn, at 26, IOSH’s youngest ever Vice-President, said: “Let me stress, this is not about hardening up a ‘snowflake’ generation but creating a system that develops and makes the most of young people’s talents.
“If we can achieve this, we can make a serious move on the country’s ambition to build productivity, generate economic growth and develop the confidence and future prospects of our present and future workforce.
“But this won’t happen if there continues to be a gap between what young people hope for and expect from work and what they believe to be the reality.
“Evidence suggests young people are struggling to make the transition into work and, at the moment, they’re not being properly prepared for this transition.
“Employers are offering far fewer entry-level opportunities for young people to build experience in the workplace, often favouring older workers.
“This leaves the new generation uncertain about their future, fearful for their employability and short of focus.”
