Although many people across our community are facing unprecedented challenges in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, when it comes to job losses and underemployment, young workers as a group have been significantly harder hit than any other demographic in the general workforce.

This has been driven by the large numbers of casual workers under the age of 25, combined with their employment in affected industries, such as events, tourism and hospitality.

The massive level of underemployment has had a corresponding impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our young workers, with almost a quarter (23 per cent) of those aged 18 to 24 reporting high levels of mental distress, compared to 9 per cent in 2017 - according to a 2020 report by the Melbourne Institute.

Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, young workers (between the age of 16 and 25), experience higher rates of workplace injuries than their more experienced colleagues. This over-representation may be a result of inexperience, hesitancy in seeking support, overconfidence or ineffective workplace training.

As the world gradually emerges from the pandemic in 2021, many young workers face an uncertain future.

Supporting young people in your workplace

When young workers feel supported, mentored, and are provided with opportunities to learn and grow, this can mean the difference between a flourishing career and ongoing setbacks with long-term implications for workforce participation.

Successfully engaging with a young workforce requires time and attention from recruitment and induction, then ongoing training and supervision to ensure positive employment experiences in those critical early years.

How we can help

Partnering with personal injury claims manager EML, The Victorian Chamber has produced a range of events, training and resources to promote the health and safety interests of young workers in Victoria and we are inviting employers to take part.

Call us on 03 8662 5333 or email hse@victorianchamber.com.au to talk about how we can help you provide your young workers with a safe workplace through our innovative consulting and training solutions.

Helping people get their lives back

EML has been supporting employers and workers in Victoria with their work injury insurance and claims since 2016, when EML became an agent for WorkSafe Victoria. As a mutual, EML invests in research and programs – such as the partnership with the Victorian Chamber – to help employers create safer workplaces. EML provides personalised service, working with employers, employees and their treating health practitioners to help people recover from workplace injury and return to work sooner.

For more information please visit EML at eml.com.au.