Design the Perfect Seasonal Service Role for Teens

As the peak hospitality season fades away, it’s time to reflect on any lessons to apply to the next season.

Travelers plan seasonal vacations in advance. Are you planning to cater to their guest experience needs?

It may seem far away, but now’s the best time to prepare for the summer surge. Here’s a key workforce demographic to tap into: Teenagers.

Last June, nearly 6 million teens aged 16 to 19 were employed, marking the highest teen employment rate for that month since 2007. This data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlights the potential of teenage workers to fill vital roles and support businesses during the busy summer season.

But what do teens want in a summer job? To make the most of this opportunity, it’s essential to create appealing, adaptable roles that cater to the needs and preferences of teen employees.

According to the most recent C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, parents say the biggest deciding factors for their teens are schedule and convenience. Teens are also looking for a flexible job that allows them to manage their own money, build self-esteem, and create social connections outside of school.

There are plenty of ways service roles can provide the perfect platform for this green workforce to develop financial independence while delivering a stellar guest experience.

Discover seven strategies that create an enticing and supportive environment for part-time teen workers, ensuring their contributions benefit your business and their personal growth.

1. Offer flexible scheduling

Teens often juggle summer jobs with other responsibilities, such as summer classes, extracurricular activities, or family obligations.

Providing flexible schedules, including shorter shifts or options for weekend-only work, makes it easier for teens to commit to a role. Flexible scheduling attracts teen applicants and ensures you maintain adequate staffing during peak hours.

2. Prioritize onboarding and training

For many teens, a summer job may be their first experience in the workforce. A comprehensive onboarding process can set them up for success.

Use engaging, hands-on training sessions to teach job responsibilities, customer service skills, and workplace etiquette. Pairing new hires with experienced mentors can foster a sense of belonging and help them learn faster.

3. Highlight growth opportunities

Teens are often motivated by the prospect of learning new skills and gaining valuable experience for their future careers. Communicate the transferable skills they can develop, such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

For example, a part-time cashier role can teach financial responsibility and customer service expertise, both of which look great on a resume.

4. Create a fun work environment

Teens thrive in environments where they feel valued and supported. Foster a workplace culture that emphasizes collaboration, celebrates achievements, and includes light-hearted moments.

Small gestures, like hosting team-building activities or offering employee appreciation perks (free meals or discounts), keep morale high.

5. Offer competitive pay and perks

Regarding perks, pay rates matter – especially for teens saving for college, travel, or personal expenses. Ensure your wages are competitive within your market.

Consider adding perks that appeal to younger workers, such as performance bonuses, gift cards, or the ability to earn incentives for hitting milestones.

6. Promote clear communication

Transparent communication is key to creating a supportive work environment. Teens may hesitate to ask questions or voice concerns due to inexperience.

Ensure your management team is approachable and willing to provide guidance. Regular check-ins can also help identify areas needing extra support or growth opportunities.

7. Recognize and celebrate achievements

Acknowledging a job well done can boost teen employees’ confidence and motivation. Celebrate small wins – meeting a sales goal, receiving positive customer feedback, or learning a new skill. Recognition can take many forms, from a simple “thank you” to shout-outs during team meetings or even employee of the month awards.

Building Tomorrow’s Workforce: Why Hiring Teens Benefits Your Business

Teen employees bring fresh energy, enthusiasm, and adaptability to the workplace. They often have a natural rapport with younger guests and can bring valuable insights into trends and preferences. When guided properly, their efforts can enhance the guest experience and positively impact your bottom line.

Beyond immediate business benefits, employing teens can help develop future leaders within your organization.

By investing in their growth through mentorship and development programs, you can build a pipeline of dedicated, skilled workers who understand the company culture. Programs like leadership training workshops or incentives to return next summer can encourage loyalty and long-term engagement.

Now is the perfect time to start planning your summer hiring strategy. By creating the ideal part-time service roles, you can prepare for a successful summer season while nurturing the next generation of industry talent.