A study examined innovative workplace practices in companies that employ significant numbers of entry-level workers. In Phase 1 of the study, a literature review was undertaken, and interviews were conducted with human resource directors in 58 companies in the Pacific Northwest nominated as exemplary in their work with entry-level workers. Employers reported shortages in numbers of qualified applicants for entry-level positions and concern over basic skills deficiencies. Nine areas of promising practices were identified: employee involvement; child care; family and community concerns; recruiting; training; supervision; motivation; business-education partnerships; and handicapped and special needs employees. Phase 2 consisted of a written survey of entry-level workers in randomly sampled companies in Hawaii and Oregon. It focused on their views regarding characteristics of today's work force, their perceived training needs, relevance of their high school training, ways to improve workplace quality, and their assessment of the relative importance of various worker benefits. Over 80 percent indicated they liked the place where they worked and got along with supervisors and peers. Recommendations to improve the workplace included improved pay and benefits; different management style; improved teamwork; and improved training. Recommendations were made regarding implementation of promising practices. (Ten references and preliminary findings are appended.) (YLB)