The Benefits of YES for Businesses
BEE Chamber
The BEE Chamber was established to provide the support necessary to ensure that BEE Practitioners perform effectively
In today's competitive job market, businesses are continually seeking ways to optimise their workforce while also contributing to broader societal goals. One of the most impactful ways companies can achieve this is by participating in the Youth Employment Service (YES) Initiative. Launched to combat youth unemployment, the YES initiative provides businesses with an opportunity to engage with young, motivated talent while reaping significant benefits from an HR perspective, particularly in terms of recruitment costs, hiring risks, and workforce development.?
Recruitment is one of the most resource-intensive aspects of HR management. The YES Initiative helps alleviate recruitment costs by providing businesses with access to a pool of young, eager-to-learn individuals who are ready to gain work experience. Businesses no longer need to spend extensive resources on extensive recruitment campaigns or advertise positions widely. The YES Initiative is a structured pathway to identify potential talent, and the young individuals placed through the YES initiative can be evaluated and trained according to the company’s needs.?
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Instead of hiring for high-skill positions immediately, businesses can provide young candidates with the opportunity to learn and grow within the organisation, reducing the need for expensive hiring processes that are typically used to identify skilled employees. This reduces the overall costs and time invested in the recruitment process and allows companies to be more strategic about their talent acquisition.?
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One of the inherent risks in hiring is the possibility of a mismatch between the employee and the role. This can lead to poor job performance, lower productivity, and eventually, turnover; all of which incur additional costs for the company. However, the YES Initiative mitigates this risk by allowing businesses to hire young individuals on a temporary or fixed-term basis, providing a "trial period" to assess the candidate's fit within the company culture and the demands of the role.?
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Through the YES Initiative, businesses can give youth the opportunity to prove their skills, work ethic, and potential for growth without committing to long-term contracts from the outset. If the employee does not perform as expected, the company can choose not to extend the contract, significantly reducing the risks associated with permanent hiring. For businesses seeking to identify future leaders or skilled professionals, this offers a low-risk, high-reward strategy to explore new talent.?
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The YES initiative is designed to address one of the most critical challenges businesses face today: access to a pool of skilled talent. Through the YES Initiative, businesses can tap into a diverse group of young South Africans, bringing fresh perspectives and new ideas to their operations. Young individuals often possess a deep understanding of the latest technologies, trends, and innovations, which can provide businesses with a competitive edge in the marketplace.?
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Investing in young talent allows businesses to cultivate future leaders who are loyal and deeply invested in the company’s success. Youth employees are typically motivated to prove themselves and offering them career development opportunities through mentorship and training can lead to long-term retention. Furthermore, these individuals bring an enthusiasm and adaptability to the workplace, contributing positively to the overall work environment.?
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The YES Initiative presents a unique opportunity for businesses to develop and nurture a skilled workforce from within. Integrating youth into their operations allows companies to create structured training programmes that not only enhance their employees' skills but also align their growth with the organisation’s strategic goals. This contributes to a pipeline of skilled professionals who are deeply familiar with the business’s operations and values.?
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Investing in talent development through the YES initiative ensures a company’s future sustainability and reduces dependence on external hiring. As part of succession planning, businesses can groom young employees for leadership roles, ensuring that the organisation’s talent pool is continuously replenished and prepared for future challenges. Through mentorship, skills development programmes, and growth opportunities, businesses can create a strong internal culture of loyalty and professional development.?
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Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) compliance is a key focus for many businesses operating in South Africa. The YES Initiative directly contributes to a company’s B-BBEE Scorecard, as a standalone additional element. Businesses can earn points for YES after meeting certain requirements and criteria; helping them improve their B-BBEE rating while simultaneously making a positive social impact.?
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