A critical approach to young labour force and employers' perception of decent work

This research examines the perceptions of employers and young labour force regarding the concept of "decent work" in line with international standards and identifying differences in these perceptions. The primary research question explores the extent to which employers' working conditions align with the criteria for decent work. Due to the inadequacy of measurement tools in the literature, a new measurement tool has been developed to establish a reference point for evaluating the concept of decent work. In this context, the phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was employed, and in-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 30 employers and young workers in the manufacturing sector, which has the highest number of job openings, focusing on the most in-demand professions. The joint evaluation of employers' and employees' perspectives on decent work highlights the uniqueness of the study. Findings reveal significant differences in perceptions: employers associate decent work with quality production outputs, while young workers define it as a workplace free from disrespect and exploitation. While employers associate decent work with quality production outputs, young workers define it as work where they are not disrespected or exploited. This divergence in perspectives hinders a shared understanding and the creation of decent work environments. Notably, employers justify low wages by emphasizing a sense of familial warmth and security. Conversely, young workers exhibit limited awareness of union activities and express concerns over social respectability. By uncovering distinctive dynamics within the labour market, this study provides valuable insights for employers, union officials, mediators, and policymakers.