Promoting Youth Development In The Workplace

When work loses its meaning, an entire generation begins to disengage. In an increasingly anxiety-inducing geopolitical, climate, and economic context, the world of work is undergoing profound transformation, directly impacting the trajectories of young people. Some hold jobs for which they are overqualified, revealing a mismatch between education and labor market realities. Others, despite being recent graduates, struggle to secure their first professional experience. Even once employed, some are assessed primarily on performance while simultaneously searching for meaning and alignment with their personal values. Thus, despite different backgrounds and experiences, a common tension emerges: a fragile relationship with work. At a time when 21% of 15–24-year-olds are unemployed, this situation deeply challenges the role of work in shaping life paths and future aspirations. Organizations are therefore confronted with two major challenges. On the one hand, they must ensure fair and attractive working conditions (management, compensation, flexibility, training, and career prospects). On the other hand, they must provide guidance, meaning, and a sense of belonging by responding to the aspirations and need for recognition of a diverse youth population. In this context, a central question arises: how can professional environments be created that foster the fulfillment and well-being of young people in an uncertain world?