Young Workers Research Articles

Curriculum updates in vocational education and changes in graduates’ skills and wages

ABSTRACT This paper examines the relation between the nature of updates in training curricula and graduates’ skills and wages. Using vocational education and training (VET) curriculum texts as data, we apply natural language processing methods to identify the nature of changes in curriculum updates based on before-after comparisons of the skills the curricula contain. We introduce and measure two dimensions of curriculum updates: the ‘novelty rate’ (degree of new skills entering an updated curriculum) and the ‘removal rate’ (degree of old skills dropped from an old curriculum). By matching these dimensions to labour market data for VET graduates, we empirically investigate the relation between different types of curriculum updates and the wages of graduates with updated curricula compared to those of graduates with old curricula. We find non-linear relations and complementarities between the dimensions of updates and graduates’ wages: while adding lots of new skills without removing old ones is not favourable, removing old skills is favourable across all curriculum updates. A further analysis on the actual skills that are added or removed illustrates the trade-offs that curriculum designers face. Given the economic importance of optimally preparing young workers for the labour market, our results provide crucial insights for educational policymakers.

COVID-19 and youth unemployment in MENA countries: a matching approach

ABSTRACT The present study uses a rich dataset containing more than 1900 individuals from three important MENA countries: Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. The dataset is based on the Economic Research Forum (ERF) COVID-19 MENA Monitor, which consists of household and individual-level surveys during the COVID-19 period for these three MENA countries. The present study examines the effect of COVID-19 on youth unemployment in MENA countries in the post-COVID-19 period. Using a rich individual-level dataset, propensity score matching analysis is utilized. The propensity score matching analysis effectively controls unobservable differences across individuals during the pandemic. The propensity score matching analyses show that young employes were more likely to become unemployed than their older counterparts during the pandemic period. Furthermore, the results also show that young workers with formal contracts have a higher probability of becoming unemployed than their male and older counterparts with formal and informal contracts. The policymakers can design a policy framework to minimize this problem during external shocks.

Measuring impacts of retirement age extension on economic growth and labor market in China using a recursively dynamic CGE model

This paper estimates the effects of retirement age extension on China’s economic growth and employment from 2020 to 2050 using a dynamic computable general equilibrium model. This paper focuses on the interaction between retirement and youth employment, particularly the substitution between young and older workers and the trade-off between male and female workers. According to the reform speed of the retirement system, nine policy scenarios are designed, which are divided into three policy options: slow, gradual, and fast reform. The simulations indicated the extension of the retirement age will indeed have a positive impact on China’s GDP growth and the optimal policy is to gradually delay the female retirement age from 50 to 60. Meanwhile, the share of women in their 30s and 50s in total labor demand is intended to increase by 2.01–2.05%, while the employment share of young and middle-aged men will decline by 1.32–1.68%.

Maximizing use of available vascular capital for autologous arteriovenous fistula creation and maintenance: Single center results.

Nicaragua is a Central American country with a high prevalence of patients with chronic kidney disease, particularly among young men. This is largely attributable to Mesoamerican nephropathy, a form of interstitial nephritis that predominantly affects young agricultural workers. While the majority of patients have access to chronic dialysis programs, a very small number have an option of receiving a renal transplant. Consequently, they must spend years on hemodialysis (HD), where the vascular access issue is of vital importance for their survival. Given that prosthetic arteriovenous grafts (AVG) are expensive devices with a lower cost-benefit ratio, limited availability within the health system and are unaffordable for the majority of patients, it is crucial to perform autogenic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) whenever possible. This paper presents a 4-year period review (2020-2023) of a single-center vascular access program that optimizes vasculature utilization of each patient for creation of AFV and describes the surgical revision techniques used to prolong the patency of vascular accesses. The autogenic vascular access program has resulted in more than 80% of prevalent patients undergoing HD at our center being hemodialyzed through an autogenic AVF by the end of 2023. It can be concluded that it is possible to significantly increase the proportion of autogenic vascular accesses in each center by optimizing the patient's own vasculature. This approach has the potential to reduce morbidity and costs, particularly in low-income countries.

Gender Disparities in Pandemic-Related Strains, Digital Coping Strategies, and Protective Mechanisms Among Rural-to-Urban Migrant Working Adolescents in China.

The COVID-19 pandemic placed significant strains on daily life, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as rural-to-urban young migrant workers. Based on General Strain Theory (GST), these pandemic-related strains lead to delinquent copings, including excessive Internet use. However, the association between pandemic-related challenges faced by migrant youth and their digital copings has yet to be investigated. GST also posits that some conditioning factors, such as conventional beliefs, internal resilience and life satisfaction, might serve as protective factors, which can help to alleviate the disruptive consequences of the pandemic-related strains. Utilizing the fourth sweep of International Self-Report Delinquency Survey (ISRD4) in China comprising 769 working migrant adolescents aged 16 to 19, who did not attend high school, the present study examines variations in pandemic-related strains, frequent use of the Internet for gaming and social media, and their associations. In addition, this study investigates the moderating effect of three protective factors: conventional beliefs, internal resilience and life satisfaction. Results indicated that economic strain, information strain and health-related strain significantly influenced digital coping strategies, with notable gender differences. Conventional beliefs served as a significant moderator for males, while life satisfaction played a more significant moderating role for females. Relevant policy implications are then discussed.

Age discrimination in employment tribunal judgments: Unveiling trends, challenges and solutions amidst the covid-19 pandemic

Ageism is a significant global problem which has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. This article addresses an important gap in the literature by analysing 3241 age discrimination Employment Tribunal judgments over a 5-year period, which coincided with the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a qualitative case by case analysis and quantitative content analysis the article examines recent judgments from England and Wales to highlight their extent, nature, and outcomes. Despite reports of heightened ageism and age stereotyping and the use of ageist policies to control the Covid-19 pandemic, this research reveals no corresponding increase in successful age discrimination judgments. This research identifies new emerging trends, including an increase in judgments striking out claims for lack of active pursuit from 2021 to 2023, alongside a rise in judgments striking out claims for being out of time and also judgments for redundancy-related claims. The study emphasises the inadequacy of relying solely on individual enforcement to combat age discrimination, confirming previous findings of enforcement gaps, especially for younger workers. Furthermore, the study provides insights into the prevalence of age stereotypes, the inadequacies of the legal framework for addressing stereotypical assumptions and the risks associated with retirement discussions. Ageist stereotypes, such as linking age with job performance and retirement pressure, were prevalent throughout the study period, showing no significant changes throughout the pandemic. Overall, this research provides important insights into age discrimination judgments during Covid-19, emphasising the urgency of comprehensive strategies to address ageism effectively in the workplace.

Recurring crises, resilient workers? Biographical-relational resources in worker livelihoods

The impact of shocks and crises on workers and workers’ crisis coping strategies are issues of global concern and have generated a rich literature on resilience and sustainable livelihoods. Drawing on insights from social reproduction theory and biographical-narrative research, we draw lessons for the resilience literature from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on workers in a high-outmigration area of Eastern Europe. The area had some of the highest mortality and lowest vaccination rates in the European Union and is heavily dependent on remittances from work in German, Italian, and British agriculture, construction, and cleaning and care services. We use biographical interviews to show how respondents’ coping capacity builds on previous experiences of crisis and on social relationships and care arrangements at work and home, which are both sources of support and vulnerability; and we discuss why young workers in sectors deemed ‘essential’ during the pandemic were particularly vulnerable. By showing how care arrangements translate into both support and pressure, our findings speak to global debates about resilience and its costs for workers in high migration areas and beyond.

THE IMPACT OF WORK HOURS, AGE, AND BONUSES ON PRODUCTIVITY AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG TEMPORARY WORKERS

Temporary workers play a vital role in various industries, yet their productivity and satisfaction are often influenced by factors such as work hours, age, and financial incentives. This study aimed to analyze the distribution and impact of these variables on temporary employees to identify trends and provide actionable insights for workforce management. Using a descriptive research design, data were collected from 80 workers categorized by work hours (30–50 hours/week), age groups (25–45 years), and bonus ranges (IDR 150,000–450,000). The analysis revealed that most workers preferred standard work hours (30–35 hours/week), younger workers aged 25–30 years dominated the workforce (32%), and the majority received bonuses in the lower range (IDR 150,000–200,000). The findings highlight the importance of moderate work hours, fair incentive systems, and age-specific strategies to enhance the productivity and satisfaction of temporary workers. This study concludes that tailored employment policies and transparent bonus structures are essential for fostering a motivated and effective temporary workforce.

Youth at Work: Exploring the Relationship Between Social Status, a History of Child Labour, and Health

BackgroundDespite positive post-pandemic changes, youth are still employed in work environments and conditions that threaten their health. AimTo evaluate individual, family, and work-related factors associated with physical and mental health, and the relationship between health, social status, and child labour among young apprentices. DesignA cross-sectional study. MethodsThe study involved 417 young workers between December 2023 and April 2024. Data were gathered using the Social Status Index Form, Brief Symptom Inventory, physical examinations, and analyzed through IPWRA, hierarchical regression, and decision tree analysis. ResultsBeing male, having five or more siblings, and having a father with low education were significant predictors of a history of child labour. After adjusting for objective social status, key risk factors for young workers' physical health included being female, having poor mental health, having a lowly educated mother, and working long hours. Approximately one-quarter of the variability in young workers' mental health could be attributed to factors related to low family status, such as the mother's employment, a history of child labor, having a sibling not in formal education, low subjective social status, working in the service sector, and being in an inappropriate working environment. ConclusionLow family social status, a history of child labor, and unsafe working conditions emerge as key shared predictors of both physical and mental health risks. In line with the decent work goal, macro-level policies aimed at improving social status and regulating working conditions are essential to supporting youth in the workforce.

Work-related well-being in early career: A role of self-compassion.

Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on employee well-being, mental health, and resilience. The objective of this observational study was to explore the mutual relationships among the dimensions of self-compassion and particular characteristics of work-related well-being: work engagement, workaholism (excessive and compulsive work), and job boredom in a population of early career workers. In this quantitative cross-sectional study, 286 master's students with proper working experience were examined; results from 244 respondents were suitable for further data analysis. The Self-compassion Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Dutch Work Addiction Scale, and Dutch Boredom Scale were administered. Spearman's rank correlation analysis found a positive relationship between work engagement and excessive work and a negative relationship between work engagement and job boredom. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between compulsive work and negative subscales of the Self-compassion Scale. Structural equation modeling indicated that workaholism was a mediator between the negative scales of self-compassion and work engagement with job boredom. In conclusion, the negative aspects of self-compassion (isolation, self-judgment, and over-identification) are related to the symptoms of workaholism in young workers. Self-compassion-based interventions could help prevent the negative effects of compulsive and excessive work. Possible age-related explanations for the positive relationship between work engagement and workaholism (i.e., excessive work) are discussed. Future longitudinal research could identify the dynamics of the connection between self-compassion and work-related well-being from a long-term perspective.

Fostering resilient safety culture to boost safety performance of young construction workers: Insights from empirical and simulation studies

Fostering resilient safety culture to boost safety performance of young construction workers: Insights from empirical and simulation studies

Rare cause of chronic cough in a young healthcare worker - A case of exogenous lipoid pneumonia!

ABSTRACT Exogenous lipoid pneumonia (ELP) is a rarely reported entity caused by aspirating or inhaling fat or oil-containing substances. Clinically, patients present with subacute to chronic-onset non-specific symptoms such as cough, fever, breathlessness, and general malaise. In addition, lobar or multifocal interstitial and parenchymal infiltrates on chest imaging can mimic any other infectious etiology. Diagnosis of lipoid pneumonia is often missed or delayed in many cases and requires a high index of clinical suspicion. We report a case of a 36-year-old nursing officer who presented with a cough and right-sided pneumonia on chest imaging. She was being treated empirically with antitubercular therapy without any clinical response to the treatment. ELP was diagnosed after carefully evaluating the radiological findings, reviewing the clinical history, and finding supportive evidence of lipid-laden alveolar macrophages in her broncho-alveolar lavage fluid. It is vital to uphold a heightened clinical suspicion for non-infectious etiologies in non-resolving pneumonia and investigate the patient thoroughly before resorting to empirical treatments.

Strategic HR Leadership: Developing Workplace Communication Skills to Engage Younger Generations

As younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z now make up over 50% of the global workforce, organizations are struggling to adapt their communication practices to effectively engage and develop this diverse talent pool. Research indicates that many managers lack the skills to have the constructive, solutions-focused discussions that these younger employees expect and value. This communication skills gap threatens the retention of younger workers wanting more meaningful work and jeopardizes organizations' ability to leverage the full potential of their multi-generational workforces. This article explores a research-grounded framework and actionable recommendations for HR to systematically develop managerial communication capacity through training on key concepts like psychological safety, active listening, emotional intelligence, and feedback skills. By fostering open dialogue and establishing psychologically safe environments, organizations can better connect with diverse perspectives and empower all employees to contribute fully.

The unequal adoption of ChatGPT exacerbates existing inequalities among workers

We study the adoption of ChatGPT, the icon of Generative AI, using a large-scale survey linked to comprehensive register data in Denmark. Surveying 18,000 workers from 11 exposed occupations, we document that ChatGPT is widespread, especially among younger and less-experienced workers. However, substantial inequalities have emerged. Women are 16 percentage points less likely to have used the tool for work. Furthermore, despite its potential to lift workers with less expertise, users of ChatGPT earned slightly more already before its arrival, even given their lower tenure. Workers see a substantial productivity potential in ChatGPT but are often hindered by employer restrictions and a perceived need for training.

Assessing business management factors in young agricultural entrepreneurs in Indonesia

Indonesia faces a pressing challenge in its agricultural sector: the declining participation of young workers due to limited entrepreneurial opportunities and inadequate business management skills. This study investigates the factors influencing business management among young agricultural entrepreneurs participating in the growth of young agricultural entrepreneurs (PWMP) program at Politeknik Pembangunan Pertanian (Polbangtan) Medan, Indonesia. Utilizing a descriptive quantitative approach, data were gathered through questionnaires and analyzed using Likert scale measurements and multiple linear regression tests. The findings highlight that business management capabilities were categorized as high (79.68%), supported by strong personality traits (84.30%), high knowledge levels (83.05%), extensive experience (81.13%), a supportive family environment (75.80%), and a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem (79.78%). Regression analysis revealed that personality, experience, family environment, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem significantly impacted business management capabilities, while knowledge had no notable effect. These results underscore the importance of structured interventions, such as internships and business incubation programs, to enhance practical business skills and foster entrepreneurial success.

Association of Occupational Noise Exposure and Extended High-Frequency Hearing Loss in Young Workers With Normal Hearing.

Studies on the relationship between occupational noise exposure and extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing loss are limited. This study investigated the relationship between occupational noise exposure and EHF hearing loss in workers exposed to noise as measured by sound pressure level, exposure duration, and kurtosis to help provide a basis for early detection and prevention of hearing loss in noise-exposed workers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 602 participants with 472 noise-exposed workers and 130 non-noise-exposed controls. General demographic characteristics, noise exposure data, and hearing thresholds at conventional frequencies (0.25 to 8 kHz) and EHF (9 to 16 kHz) were collected and analyzed. Linear mixed-effects model analyses between hearing thresholds of EHF and noise exposure indicators including the 8-h equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,8h), cumulative noise exposure (CNE), and kurtosis-adjusted CNE (CNE-K) were conducted. Among the 602 participants included in the analysis, 472 individuals (78.4%) were occupationally exposed to noise exposures ≥75 dBA. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in sex, exposure duration, LAeq,8h, CNE, and CNE-K between the noise-exposed group and the nonexposed group. The mean hearing thresholds for all tested extended high frequencies ranging from 9 to 16 kHz were significantly higher in the noise-exposed group than in the nonexposed group (p < 0.05). The mean hearing thresholds of subjects in different groups of LAeq,8h exposures were generally stable with little variance in the conventional frequencies (0.25 to 8 kHz) but differed in the EHF range. Moreover, EHF hearing loss appeared to be most prominent in the subjects exposed to noise with 80 dBA < LAeq,8h ≤ 85 dBA. After the combination of the sound pressure level, exposure duration, and kurtosis by using the noise exposure indicators CNE and CNE-K, the subjects at the different noise exposures showed significant differences in hearing thresholds at EHF (p < 0.05). Linear mixed-effected model analyses showed that the CNE-K was the best to indicate noise-induced hearing loss among the three noise exposure indicators at EHF. The results indicate that the EHF hearing threshold testing is more sensitive to identifying early occupational noise-induced hearing loss than conventional audiometry. The CNE-K, an indicator combining noise energy, exposure duration, and kurtosis, is a more comprehensive and effective method for assessing the risk of EHF hearing loss due to occupational noise exposure.

Financial Management Practices and Financial Behavior Among Young Professionals of Business Process Outsourcing Companies

The emergence of business process outsourcing (BPO) has changed labor demographics, especially among young professionals, which has sparked increasing demand in knowledge of financial behavior and management techniques. For their financial security and quality of life, financial literacy and behavior are absolutely vital. Many young workers lack enough financial knowledge and management skills, which results in bad financial decisions and behaviors. This difference could lead to unstable finances and compromise long-term security. Putting in place structured financial literacy initiatives fit for this group might greatly improve financial performance. Therefore, the aimed to assess the financial management practices and financial behavior among young professionals of business process outsourcing companies in China. The challenges encountered were also analyzed towards an intervention plan proposal. The study reveals that young professionals in BPO companies generally have a positive view of financial management, but their authority over decisions varies. Financial conduct is influenced by peer influence and societal expectations, and they exhibit varied financial behaviors in budgeting, saving, and long-term planning. However, they face challenges like limited understanding, lifestyle inflation, and balancing short-term and long-term goals.

The Effect of Demographic Factors on Employee Productivity and Safety Programmmes in Oil and Gas and Construction Industries in the Niger Delta Area, Nigeria

The aim of this study was to examine how demographic variables affect employee productivity in the selected Oil &amp; Gas and Construction companies in the Niger Delta, Nigeria. Structured questionnaire was the research instrument administered to 390 employees by random sampling; while the selection of the Oil &amp; Gas and construction companies was by purposive method. Demographic variables captured in the questionnaire included Gender, Age, Level of education, Marital status and Years of experience. The collated data were analyzed using Xlstat version 16 for descriptive statistics and reliability test using Cronbach alpha. Also, Z-test and Analysis of Variance were carried out to check for significant difference in the employee productivity across the demographic variables. Principal Component Analysis was further used to understand the relationship between the demographic variables and safety programs. The result from the study showed that female had slightly higher employee productivity than male employee. The overall productivity might be slightly geared toward cognitive diversity rather than physical work demand. The result further showed that there was no significant difference in the employee productivity with respect to gender. Similarly, the finding from the study showed that employee between the ages of 42 to 49 and workers with 17 - 24 years of working experience had the highest employee productivity. While workers between the ages of 18 to 25 and workers with experience above 25 years had the least employee productivity. No significant difference was found in the ages and working experience with respect to productivity. However, significant difference was observed in the marital status with respect to productivity. Single and divorced workers had significantly higher employee productivity than their counterpart. Given that workers above 50 years also showed high productivity, it is recommended that pairing employees above the age of 50 years and younger workers (below 25) will be beneficial in increasing the overall productivity in the company. However, the need for succession planning and knowledge transfer as they approach retirement should be carried out by the companies.

Barriers and Facilitators Toward Disaster Knowledge, Skills, and Preparedness among Emergency Medical Services in Saudi Arabia.

Disasters pose significant challenges globally, affecting millions of people annually. In Saudi Arabia, floods constitute a prevalent natural disaster, underscoring the necessity for effective disaster preparedness among Emergency Medical Services (EMS) workers. Despite their critical role in disaster response, research on disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia is limited. The study aimed to explore the disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia. This study applied an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design to explore disaster preparedness among EMS workers in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the qualitative phase. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 EMS workers from National Guard Health Affairs (NGHA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) facilities in Riyadh, Dammam, and Jeddah. Thematic analysis was conducted following Braun and Clarke's six-step process, ensuring data rigor through Schwandt, et al's criteria for trustworthiness. The demographic characteristics of participants revealed a predominantly young, male workforce with varying levels of experience and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis identified three key themes: (1) Newly/developed profession, highlighting the challenges faced by young EMS workers in acquiring disaster preparedness; (2) Access to opportunities and workplace resources (government versus military), indicating discrepancies in disaster preparedness support between government and military hospitals; and (3) Workplace policies and procedures, highlighting the need for clearer disaster policies, training opportunities, and role clarity among EMS workers. The study underscores the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by EMS workers in Saudi Arabia to enhance disaster preparedness. Recommendations include targeted support for young EMS professionals, standardization of disaster training across health care facilities, and improved communication of disaster policies and procedures. These findings have implications for policy and practice in disaster management and EMS training in Saudi Arabia.

Securing a Future in Nonmetropolitan Areas: Community and Family Influences on Young Adults' Intentions to Stay for Employment☆

AbstractThis study examines how community perceptions, family‐related factors, and other psychosocial factors collectively shape young adults' intentions to stay in their nonmetropolitan communities for employment. Research on nonmetropolitan populations' intentions to stay has increasingly highlighted community factors, including perceptions of the community and social connections. However, perceptions of the community have often been studied linearly and researchers have overlooked the multidimensional nature of employment decisions. Thus, this study conducted a latent profile analysis of 513 nonmetropolitan young adults and identified four distinct profiles: positive perceptions of social and professional characteristics (38.79%), positive perceptions of overall community characteristics (35.28%), positive perceptions of long‐term life planning characteristics (15.79%), and negative perceptions of overall community characteristics (10.14%). Path analyses indicated that community perception profiles, characterized by more positive perceptions of family‐friendliness and enjoyment of an active social and professional life, are associated with greater intention to obtain or retain local employment in a nonmetropolitan community. The findings are mediated by the effects of embeddedness within a community and organization. Family support also plays a crucial role in job seekers' intentions to stay for employment. They also value their own perceptions of fewer barriers to staying in nonmetropolitan organizations. These findings provide policy implications for attracting and retaining young nonmetropolitan workers by aligning their aspirations with community, work, and social characteristics.