The scale of the youth mental health crisis is becoming an alarming issue that employers can no longer ignore. With young people facing increasing mental health challenges, the impact is not only felt on a personal level but also in the workplace. Employers must recognise the growing importance of supporting the mental health of young employees. With mounting evidence showing a link between youth mental health struggles and productivity loss, it is clear that organisations need to take action.
Understanding The Youth Mental Health Crisis
Recent statistics paint a stark picture of the mental health crisis facing young people today. According to the Centre for Mental Health, around one in five children and young people are now struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. This rise in mental health conditions is not merely a result of over-diagnosis or increased awareness. It reflects real, growing challenges that need urgent attention.
The financial impact of these mental health challenges is staggering. Reports from leading mental health organisations, such as the Centre for Mental Health and Young Minds, estimate the cost of mental health issues to employers at £24 billion annually in lost productivity. Over a lifetime, this could amount to a £1 trillion cost in lost earnings. These figures should act as a wake-up call for both employers and policymakers, as the youth mental health crisis is beginning to have serious economic implications.
In the last decade, the number of employees aged between 16 and 34 who report poor mental health as limiting their ability to do their job has risen dramatically. This trend highlights how youth mental health is directly affecting the workforce and productivity levels. Mental health conditions are now one of the leading causes of long-term absence from work, particularly among young adults. As more young people enter the workforce with existing mental health struggles, the issue will only intensify.
The Role of Employers in Addressing Youth Mental Health
Employers have a crucial responsibility in addressing the youth mental health crisis. Not only does it align with corporate social responsibility, but it also has significant business implications. Young employees are the future of the workforce, and without adequate support, mental health challenges could prevent them from reaching their full potential. Employers must create a supportive environment where young people feel comfortable discussing their mental health struggles and accessing resources. Providing mental health resources, offering flexible working arrangements, and training managers to understand and address mental health issues are key steps in supporting youth mental health in the workplace.
Factors Driving the Rise in Youth Mental Health
The growing mental health crisis among young people is driven by several interconnected factors, each playing a significant role in exacerbating the challenges they face.
Social Media And Digital Pressures
The rise of social media has led to heightened pressure on young people to present perfect, curated versions of their lives. This constant comparison to idealised images can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of inadequacy. Young people may internalise these unrealistic standards, leading to a deterioration in mental health. This external pressure exacerbates existing mental health conditions or triggers new ones, making it a significant factor in the growing mental health crisis.
Economic Uncertainty
Young people today are facing a highly unstable economic climate. With the uncertainty of job markets, rising living costs, and the financial pressures of student loans, many are experiencing heightened anxiety about their future. The insecurity surrounding employment prospects and long-term financial stability is a key contributor to the mental health struggles faced by young people entering the workforce. This economic strain leads to constant stress and can affect overall wellbeing, making it harder for young employees to manage their mental health effectively.
Workplace Changes and Instability
The shift towards remote and hybrid working models, coupled with the instability of many organisations post-pandemic, adds to the mental health burden. Many young employees face uncertainty in their roles, unclear expectations, and a lack of job security. The changing nature of work, especially in terms of flexible working and virtual communication, can cause stress and feelings of isolation. These adjustments, while necessary, can create additional pressures, leaving young employees struggling with stress and burnout as they try to adapt to the new work environment.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The pandemic has left a lasting impact on youth mental health. Many young people experienced social isolation, disruption to education, and a loss of critical life experiences. The sudden shift to online learning, lack of face-to-face interaction, and the overall sense of disruption has led to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. For those who were in crucial developmental stages, the absence of social and academic stability during this period has had long-term repercussions on mental health.
Unhealthy Perceptions of ‘Success’
Another contributing factor is the distorted perception of success perpetuated by societal expectations. Young people today are bombarded with messages that success is defined by wealth, career status, and external validation. This creates enormous pressure, particularly when they feel they haven’t achieved these goals. The fear of falling short of societal expectations leads to anxiety and low self-esteem. The constant need to ‘keep up’ with peers who may appear to be more successful can cause mental health struggles, particularly as this pressure begins at a young age.
Practical Steps for Employers to Support Youth Mental Health
Employers have a vital role to play in supporting the mental health of young employees by implementing practical strategies that foster a supportive and inclusive work environment.
Provide Access to Mental Health Resources
Employers should ensure that mental health resources are readily available to all employees. Offering access to Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) can provide young workers with confidential support for a wide range of issues, including mental health concerns. Additionally, organisations can partner with mental health professionals to provide counselling or therapy services, either virtually or in-person. This gives employees the opportunity to seek help without facing barriers.
Implement Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexibility in working hours and locations can greatly benefit young employees who may be juggling multiple responsibilities. Offering flexible work hours or remote working options can alleviate stress and help employees manage their mental health more effectively. Flexibility enables young employees to find a balance between work and personal life, reducing burnout and promoting a healthier mental wellbeing.
Offer Mental Health Training for Managers
Managers play a pivotal role in supporting employee wellbeing. Training managers to recognise signs of mental health issues and respond with empathy is essential. This training should equip leaders with the skills to initiate conversations about mental health, provide support, and guide employees to appropriate resources. Creating a culture where mental health discussions are normalised starts with well-trained, supportive managers.
Foster a Supportive and Open Workplace Culture
Employers should actively work towards building a culture of openness around mental health. Encouraging employees to talk about their mental health challenges without fear of judgement helps to reduce stigma. It is important to communicate that mental health is just as important as physical health, and employees should not feel ashamed of seeking support. Promoting open communication helps employees feel safe, valued, and understood.
Create Peer Support Networks
Building peer support networks can be an effective way to provide mental health support within the workplace. These networks can provide young employees with a safe space to share their experiences and support each other. Establishing informal groups where employees can talk about mental health issues helps to build a sense of community. Peer support can also reduce feelings of isolation, which are common among young workers experiencing mental health challenges.
Encourage Work-Life Balance and ‘Switching Off’
Young employees often struggle with maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially in the digital age. Employers can support mental health by encouraging employees to switch off outside of working hours. This means setting clear boundaries and discouraging the expectation of being always available via email or messaging platforms. Promoting work-life balance not only helps reduce stress but also prevents burnout, leading to more productive and engaged employees.
Wellity Global Training Support
Training employees on mental health awareness equips them with the tools to understand and support mental wellbeing in the workplace. Here are some of the sessions we offer around mental health:
Creating a Mentally Healthy Working Culture
This session is aimed at helping managers recognise and tackle the work-related issues associated with poor mental health and create a culture where all employees can talk honestly and openly about their mental health and wellbeing. It focuses on the prevention of work-related ill-health and the promotion of healthy working practices.
Objectives:
- Understand the dynamic between work and wellbeing.
- Identify the ways work can be positive for mental health.
- Create ways to tackle psychosocial risks.
- Challenge existing workplace behaviours and cultural norms.
- Develop a plan for eliminating risks and optimising wellbeing.
Psychological Safety: The Secret to High Performance
In this powerful session, we delve into the neuroscience of high-achievers and the characteristics of high-performing work-cultures, and why sustainable success demands team psychological safety. We explore the intricate connection between mental wellbeing and exceptional performance, debunking misconceptions and shedding light on the unique challenges faced by high-achievers.
Objectives:
- Understand the neuroscience of high-achievers and its implications for performance.
- Identify the characteristics of high-performing work cultures and their impact on sustainable success.
- Recognise the significance of psychological safety and its role in fostering growth and innovation.
- Implement practical strategies to cultivate psychological safety, boost self-belief, and enhance authentic connections.
For further information on these sessions, contact our team today.
