“Good work is…” – a youth definition of good work

The definition

“Good work means feeling valued, fulfilled and supported. It means being respected and treated fairly in a workplace that is diverse and inclusive, where there is open and honest communication and decent pay. Everyone should have a voice. Good work is done to a high standard and gives you a sense of achievement. It happens in a place where you can make change happen. Good work protects your health and wellbeing. You’re excited to tell your friends and family about good work, not because they ask but because you’re proud of it.”

About the project

Good quality work is vital to enable young people to successfully transition into work. It can be ‘make or break’ in terms of young people’s health and wellbeing, their financial security, and their ability to progress further in their career. But too many young people, especially those from disadvantaged and marginalised backgrounds, struggle to access good quality work.

That's why we wanted to hand ownership of how we define good work to young people themselves.

So throughout 2024, supported by funding from Youth Futures Foundation, we worked with young people to understand how they define good work, what matters most to them, and the difference it makes to their lives. We've used qualitative research techniques, including interviews, focus groups and a participatory workshop.

For a deeper insight into the definition, read our explainer here.

How are Workwhile responding?

Creating apprenticeships

Ensuring young people have accessible opportunities to get into work and develop their skills

DevelopMentor

Supporting line managers to motivate, coach and support young people

Good Work Healthcheck

Assessing work quality and making recommendations for improvements

For employers and policy makers

Young people have told us that they want work which has purpose; where they have a voice and can make a difference; where they are respected and treated fairly; and which has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.

Quality of work is therefore a multi-dimensional issue for young people. Whilst fair pay is important, it is far from the only thing young people are looking for - and beyond covering basic necessities, they see pay as a sign of respect and fairness rather than an end in itself. Many other factors are of equal importance.

For employers, this is an empowering message. Success depends first and foremost on leadership and culture, which are within the scope of employers of any size and in any sector. Find out more about how Workwhile can support you here.

For policy makers, this is an aspirational vision for good work which moves us beyond raising the floor of basic legal minimums. We must support employers to achieve what young people need. Contact us if you'd like to discuss our findings in more detail.