What You Need to Know About Employing Teenagers
Submitted by: Jacquelyn Lynn
It’s summer—the time of year when kids are out of school and looking for jobs. Teenagers can be attractive as a potential source of low-cost labor, and by providing them a job, you also provide the opportunity for them to develop their own work ethic and financial intelligence. One of the best ways kids learn about money is to get a job and figure out how to manage their wages. But before you post a “help wanted” notice at your nearby high school, think about what you need to know when you tap into the rich resource of fourteen- to seventeen-year-olds.
The Fair Labor Standards Act has set for provisions designed to protect the education opportunities of youths and prohibit their employment in jobs and under conditions detrimental to their health and well-being. The minimum age for most non-farm work is 16; however, 14- and 15-year-olds may be employed outside of school hours in certain occupations under certain conditions.
The basic age-related guidelines of the Fair Labor Standards Act are:
• Youths 18 years or older may perform any job for unlimited hours.
• Youths age 16 and 17 may perform any job not declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor, for unlimited hours. Hazardous jobs include such tasks as operating a meat slicer, driving, working on roofs or on machine shop floors.
• Youths age 14 and 15 may work outside school hours in various non-manufacturing, non-mining, non-hazardous jobs under the following conditions: no more than 3 hours on a school day, 18 hours in a school week, 8 hours on a non-school day, or 40 hours in a non-school week. In addition, they may not begin work before 7:00 a.m. nor work after 7:00 p.m., except from June 1 through Labor Day, when evening work hours are extended until 9:00 p.m.
The Department of Labor requires employers to keep records of the date of birth of employees under age 19, their daily starting and quitting times, daily and weekly hours worked, and their occupation. Keep in mind that, in addition to the federal statutes, most states also have child labor laws that may be more stringent. Check with your own state labor department to see what state regulations apply to your business. When both the federal law and a state law apply, the law setting the higher standards must be observed.
What do you do with them once they’re hired?
Beyond the legal requirements, it’s best to take a slightly different approach to managing teens than you do with adults. The first experience with serious discipline and responsibility for many young people comes with their first job. You’re helping to develop their character and their work ethic. You have the opportunity to help your young workers get off to a great start in the business world and be better prepared for whatever comes next.
These tips will help you manage teenage workers:
• Make the orientation process more detailed than you typically would with an adult. Go over rules, policies and procedures in great detail; don’t assume a teenager knows things that may be second nature to you. In particular, explain the dress code and such issues as your policy on cell phone use during work hours, and stress the need for promptness and reliable attendance.
• Help them develop a strong work ethic and personal integrity. Even in the best of companies, young workers will be exposed to employees who are not as productive as you would prefer. Set a positive example and use coaching techniques to counteract any negative influences.
• Review performance on a quarterly basis. Your company policy may call for annual reviews, but a year is an eternity to a teenager. Performance reviews don’t have to be tied to wage increases, but they give you an opportunity to encourage positive performance and correct problems before they become serious. This also helps familiarize youngsters with the performance review process.
• Remember that they are teenagers. Understand that the kids are going to school and they need to study, participate in school activities, and socialize. Encourage their education and schedule their work around school functions and study time.
For more informationon hiring and managing teenagers, check the U.S. Department of Labor’s Youth & Labor section at www.dol.gov/dol/topic/youthlabor . Another excellent resource is the DOL’s Youth Rules site at www.youthrules.dol.gov.
___________________
Jacquelyn Lynn is the editor of Flashpoints newsletter. Flashpoints is a comprehensive information resource for business owners and managers who want to take their operation to the Flashpoint. Visit www.theflashpoints.com to sign up for a free subscription to Flashpoints newsletter plus an extra free gift: The Mindset of High Achievers by JK Harris and Jacquelyn Lynn.