During times of crisis requiring workforce cuts, management inevitably sets their sights on their youngest, most inexperienced team members. A recent study conducted by the International Labour Organization found that one in six people under the age of 24 have stopped working since March, and 23 percent of those still employed have been forced to reduce their hours. The reasoning seems sound. Experienced employees already know the ropes, and there's more risk in investing in younger, greener employees. However, that way of thinking can backfire in the long term—particularly in a crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The ROI in investing in entry-level employees is higher than any other subsect—501 percent according to one study—and because these folks are young in their careers, they have room to grow, they have a higher tolerance for risk, and they are far less likely to be jaded and burned out than their more senior counterparts. Leaning on the experience of more seasoned employees doesn't make sense during a unique crisis where no one has relevant experience either. While those who have been in the workforce for years might get caught in complicity during the pandemic, younger employees will push through these unprecedented times.