Highlights:

• New World Bank Group guidebook presents evidence-based strategies for designing effective labor programs, especially in low- and middle-income countries facing job creation challenges.
• The most effective labor programs in low- and middle-income countries deliver earnings and employment improvements four to five times greater than the average, at times providing up to ten years lasting benefits, and returns far exceeding the initial investments.
• Five core principles—contextual tailoring, comprehensive scope, incentive alignment, private sector engagement, and social protection integration—are key to creating lasting, inclusive impacts in the labor market.