Work Lab Tanzania
FIT collaborates with CMI and the Economic and Social Research Foundation (ESRF) in a Research Council of Norway-funded project aimed at getting a better understanding of the challenges facing youth in Tanzania as they transition from education to work, and in evaluating initiatives to ease this transition.
Jobs can provide a direct route out of poverty and job creation is thus key to achieving several of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, research shows that many jobs do not offer wage and working conditions that can sustain a path of productivity growth and poverty reduction. Poor management practices, including excessive work hours, bullying and sexual harassment, have been identified as important determinants of the workplace climate, not the least for women.
In this project, we address the issue of job search and employment using an experimental approach, where we offer young people a work training program allowing them to better understand and navigate the labor market. The results of our research will be useful not only for the job seekers, but also for employers and policy makers, who will get a better understanding of how to attract workers, reduce labor turnover, and improve labor productivity.