Hiring teens has been a valuable strategy for businesses, offering numerous benefits to both employers and young workers. Teen employment has fluctuated over time, but recent trends show a resurgence in opportunities for young people. With businesses facing staffing challenges and a growing need for tech-savvy, flexible employees, hiring teens and students is not only beneficial but also essential for building a skilled, future-ready workforce. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of teen employment, recent changes, future trends, and the key benefits of hiring teens for your business.

A Brief History of Teen Employment

The early 20th century saw a significant number of teens entering the workforce, primarily in factory jobs and manual labor. By 1940, teens aged 14-17 made up about 5.9% of the workforce. However, the passing of child labor laws and the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938 led to limits on teen working hours, refocusing their efforts toward education.

In the post-World War II era, teen employment grew in popularity, particularly for part-time and summer jobs in industries like retail and hospitality. By the 1970s and 1980s, nearly 60% of teens were employed during the summer months, with fast food, retail, and service industries leading the charge.

Recent Trends in Teen Employment

Recent decades have seen some fluctuations in teen employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2000, about 52% of teens aged 16-19 were employed during the summer. By 2010, this number dropped to 29.6%, primarily due to the 2008 financial crisis, increased competition for entry-level jobs, and a greater focus on academics.

The COVID-19 pandemic also disrupted teen employment, but by 2022, the number of employed teens surged to 32.5%, the highest level in over a decade. This surge is largely due to businesses facing staffing shortages, particularly in retail and food services.

Future of Teen Employment

The future of teen employment looks promising, with businesses increasingly turning to teens and students to fill roles in retail, restaurants, healthcare, and more. As more companies adapt to labor shortages, teens—who often have strong digital skills—are becoming a vital part of the workforce.

Additionally, the rise of the gig economy is opening doors for teens to engage in flexible, freelance work such as tutoring, babysitting, and content creation. Platforms like CoGoCity make it easier for teens to find part-time work while gaining practical experience.

Benefits of Hiring Teens and Students

Fresh Perspectives
Teens bring fresh, innovative ideas and a unique perspective to the workplace. Their familiarity with technology and social media trends can boost business operations, particularly in areas like digital marketing and customer engagement.

Tech-Savvy Employees
Having grown up in a digital world, teens are often adept at using new technologies. Whether it’s managing social media accounts, handling e-commerce orders, or working with digital platforms, their tech skills are a valuable asset.

Flexible Workforce
Teens often seek part-time or seasonal work, making them ideal for businesses with fluctuating demands. Whether it’s covering peak times or holiday seasons, teens offer flexibility that can be difficult to find in other candidates.

Cost-Effective Hiring
Teen employees typically earn entry-level wages, which can help businesses manage payroll while providing teens with valuable work experience. This win-win relationship benefits both parties and can lead to long-term employment.

Developing Future Talent
Hiring teens gives businesses the chance to nurture young talent. Teens are eager to learn and can develop into loyal, skilled employees. By investing in teen workers, businesses can cultivate a future workforce that understands and aligns with their company culture.

Positive Brand Image
Businesses that hire teens are often seen as supportive of the local community. This not only fosters goodwill but also attracts customers who appreciate companies that offer opportunities to young people.

Increased Customer Engagement
Teens relate well to younger customers, making them valuable in customer service roles. Their ability to connect with peers and stay on top of trends can help businesses improve customer satisfaction and sales.

Hiring teens offers numerous advantages for businesses, from fresh ideas to a flexible, cost-effective workforce. As the economy evolves, teen employment will continue to be a key resource for companies looking for tech-savvy and adaptable workers. Businesses that invest in teen employees not only fill current needs but also contribute to building a skilled future workforce.