The Importance of Goal Setting for Young Workers (And How It Helps You Retain Them)

Retaining young workers in the care and education sectors is a challenge many employers face. With a workforce increasingly shaped by Millennials and Gen Z, who value personal growth and purpose, organisations need to evolve their strategies to meet these expectations. One effective approach? Goal setting.  

Not only does it empower young employees to succeed, but it also strengthens their commitment to your organisation! Here’s how goal setting can help retain young talent and why it should be a cornerstone of your trainee program. 
 

Why Goal Setting Matters for Young Workers 

Young workers entering the care and education sectors often do so because they want to make a difference. However, starting a new role, especially as a trainee, can be overwhelming to some.  

Without a clear sense of direction, they may struggle to see how their work contributes to their personal development and your organisation's mission. This is where goal setting becomes invaluable. 

1. it Builds Confidence 

Setting achievable, measurable goals helps young workers experience small wins early in their careers. These successes build their confidence, demonstrating their ability to contribute meaningfully to the team.  

According to research by Locke and Latham, their development of goal-setting theory suggests that goals serve as a compass that directs attention, fosters effort, increases persistence and encourages the development of strategies for achievement (Cruz, 2024). For trainees, this can be transformative, boosting their self-esteem and fostering a positive attitude toward their work. 

2. It Encourages a Growth Mindset 

Goal setting nurtures a growth mindset—the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort. By working toward goals, trainees learn to overcome challenges and view mistakes as opportunities for learning. This mindset is particularly valuable in the care and education sectors, where adaptability and resilience are essential. 

It Clarifies Career Progression 

Young workers often crave clarity about their career paths. They want to understand how their current role fits into their long-term aspirations. Setting goals—both short-term and long-term—provides a roadmap, showing them how their skills and experiences can lead to greater opportunities. This clarity can reduce feelings of stagnation, a common reason young employees leave their jobs (DeCarbo, 2024). 

How Goal Setting Supports Retention 

When implemented effectively, goal setting doesn’t just benefit young workers, it’s a win for employers too. Here are some ways it supports retention: 

Strengthens Engagement 

Engaged employees are less likely to leave. Goal setting fosters engagement by helping young workers see the impact of their contributions. A Gallup study found that employees who strongly agree their goals align with their organisation's goals are 3.5 times more likely to be engaged (Gallup, 2020). This alignment is crucial in the care and education sectors, where a shared sense of purpose can enhance team cohesion. 

Promotes Accountability 

When young workers set goals, they take ownership of their development. This sense of accountability can improve their performance and deepen their commitment to your organisation. Regular check-ins to review progress reinforce this accountability while demonstrating that you value their growth. 

Enhances Job Satisfaction 

Goal setting helps young workers focus on what matters most to them—whether it’s developing specific skills, achieving milestones, or making a tangible difference in their work. This focus increases job satisfaction, which in turn reduces turnover. According to the Australian HR Institute (2021), job satisfaction is one of the key factors influencing employee retention. 

How we can help 

References 
Australian HR Institute. (2021). Employee retention strategies: What works best?  Accessed from https://www.ahri.com.au 

Cruz, R. (2024). Motivation Via Goal Setting. Accessed from https://harmoniousworkplaces.com/motivation-via-goal-setting/#