SVA's 'Employer Innovation Lab'

The Employer Innovation Lab, developed by Social Ventures Australia (SVA), is an evidence-based program designed to assist employers in enhancing recruitment and retention strategies by addressing barriers that young people face in the workforce. 

Key Features:

• Structured Approach: The Lab guides employers through a four-stage process:

1. Kick-off workshop: initiates the program with collaborative discussions to identify challenges and opportunities.
2. Pilot Implementation: employers design and execute small-scale pilots to test new recruitment and retention strategies.
3. Measurement and refinement: assessment of pilot outcomes to refine approaches based on data and feedback.
4. Scaling for impact: successful strategies are expanded to achieve broader organisational change.

• Focus on young talent: the program emphasises creating inclusive pathways for young individuals, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds, to access quality employment opportunities. 
• Collaborative learning: employers engage with peers, experts, and young people to gain insights and co-develop solutions tailored to their specific organisational contexts.

Impact:
Participants have reported significant benefits, including improved early-career pathways, increased retention rates among young staff, enhanced productivity, and greater workplace diversity. In 2023, 100% of Lab participants found the program useful, with 85% implementing changes in their practices. 

Participation:
The Employer Innovation Lab is open to medium and large employers committed to improving opportunities for young people. The program spans approximately 12 months, beginning with a two-day in-person workshop, followed by ongoing support to implement and scale pilot initiatives.