- Commercial businesses should abide by State labor laws: http://lni.wa.gov/workplacerights/teenworkers/
- All work should include a fair wage -- remember when you were young.
- Gloves, knee-pads, eye protection, proper clothing, sunscreen, and other safety steps should be followed.
- “Being on time means being late” -- suggest teens show up early out of respect.
- The safety of vulnerable children and adults should be considered at all times: http://www.nsopr.gov/en-us/Education/CommonQuestions#answer-07
- Keep medications in locked locations (#1 way that drugs are introduced to schools)
- Keep firearms in a locked location.
- Provide opportunities for compassionate breaks and lunch, as applicable.
- If work was conducted in a high-quality manner, provide a “Letter of Reference” to departing teen -- remember when you were building your own resume.
- Teens should arrive at jobs professionally dressed: not provocative clothing or low-hanging pants. Deodorant should also be worn.
- If further services are needed, the hiring adult will reach out to the teen again.
- If at any time a teen feels that a job is unsafe, or that a request is unreasonable, they should feel confident in informing the hiring adult or their parents.
- Teens should restrict phone activity to breaks -- phones should be kept in a backpack or car otherwise. Ignoring this area is a common reason for not being asked back.
- Work payments should be agreed upon in advance, and be payed promptly -- per week or per day is recommended.
- Adults should remember that they are not simply providing a job, but creating an opportunity for personal development. Invest in young hearts and minds!
- Teens should provide all their own tools, unless told otherwise -- their own lawnmower, babysitting games, etc.
- Teens are expected to provide their own transportation to and from work sites.
- Teens should bring any lunch or snacks with them each day.
