Young and new workers

Workers who are in some way “new” to their work have been shown to be at greater risk of work injury. They may be new to the labour market (i.e. young workers), new to their jobs (e.g. because of short-term contract or temporary work, or job change or promotion), or new to the country (i.e. recent immigrants). IWH research tracks injury rates trends among this group, explores the factors behind the increased risk, and evaluates programs designed to protect these potentially vulnerable workers.

Featured

A group of young adults look into the camera
At Work article

One in four young adults in the U.S. have poor mental health—and the lowest earnings among their peers

About one in four young adults in the U.S have poor mental health from their mid-teens to mid-30s. They also have the lowest earnings of their same-age peers. That’s according to a new study, conducted by IWH associate scientist, using data not available in Canada.
Published: February 7, 2023
A young woman sits in front of the desk of an older man in a suit and tie, both smiling
At Work article

Supported job placements help young adults with disabilities find work: review

Job placements, offered in tandem with a suite of tailored employment supports, can help young people with disabilities make the transition into the labour force, according to an IWH systematic review.
Published: February 2019
Project
Project

Future-proofing young Canadians with disabilities for the changing labour market

This study systematically examines the future of work as it relates to young people with disabilities, with the aim of anticipating the work and labour market changes that will affect their inclusion and success in the future of work.
Status: Ongoing
IWH Speaker Series
IWH Speaker Series

Promoting labour market transitions for young adults with chronic disabling conditions: a systematic review

Young adulthood is an important phase of life when most people establish their careers. And yet, it's a time when many young adults with disabling health conditions find themselves excluded from the labour market. A systematic review led by Dr. Arif Jetha examined work-focused interventions to support the transition of these young adults into the labour market. In this presentation, he shares findings and highlights the effectiveness of these interventions across different career stages and disability types.
Published: November 2018
The Conversation logo
IWH in the media

For millennials, employment is a public health challenge

Millennials now make up the largest share of the Canadian workforce and many are facing precarious work conditions. The long-term public health implications of these trends will be significant, and should be addressed at the policy level, writes Dr. Arif Jetha.
Published: The Conversation, September 2018
The Toronto Star logo
IWH in the media

Precarious work a health threat for millennials

Findings from a recent report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) suggest that working in a professional job no longer provides Canadians with access to working conditions that are optimal for health. These findings highlight a troubling trend: a great number of Canadians could be facing working conditions that are linked with poorer health, writes Dr. Arif Jetha.
Published: Toronto Star, August 2018
A young woman rests her head in her palm, eyes closed
At Work article

Young adults with chronic conditions often struggle to access workplace supports

Young people with arthritis have the same accommodation needs as their older counterparts. But they face a few distinct barriers accessing those workplace supports. Find out why.
Published: November 2017