Today, on World Mental health day 2024, many organisations, communities, and people will come together to talk about mental health and show everyone that mental health matters. It is one of the biggest challenges we currently face.
It is now widely known that young people are more likely to experience a common mental disorder (CMD) than any other age group. This crisis is not a new one. Since our first Youth Voice Census, seven years ago we have consistently heard young people expressing their concerns surrounding their mental health, listing this as one of their biggest barriers to employment.
Our 2024 Youth Voice Census cohort is our most anxious yet, where three in five young people (60%) indicated feeling anxious. They are anxious about their safety, skillset, lack of work experience and the absence of good quality local opportunities coupled with increased competition for gaining employment. Young people share that their concerns and struggles have gone largely unsupported leaving 1 in 4 young people unable to access support for their mental health issues.
Whilst young people’s mental health was in decline prior to Covid-19 the years during and since the pandemic have exacerbated issues. The challenge of supporting young people with the tools to make successful transitions continues and giving employers the tools they need to facilitate ‘good’ quality work experiences for young people is ever more important.
Mental health in the workplace
This year’s theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health. The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
The Youth Voice Census is clear that whilst young people in work typically feel less disruption and tend to be ‘happier’ than their peers who are not in work or who are still in education, workplace satisfaction has been decreasing in recent years. 34% of young people struggle with their wellbeing in work, 61% reported an increase in stress and pressure in the last 12 months.
What can employers do to support young people’s mental health?
Our Youth Ambassadors shared their thoughts in a recent roundtable to discuss what they believe employers can do to support young people’s mental health in the workplace. Young people shared that it is important employers provide their young people with:
- Resources and clear information on how and where to access support if needed;
- Regular meetings to check-in on how young people are doing and providing a safe space for them to share their feelings;
- Implementing a buddy system or a mentor to support young people transitioning from education into employment
Overall, young people shared with us that they valued an employer who ensured there were opportunities to openly discuss their mental health needs and have support available
The Youth Voice Census Census shares a comprehensive view of young people aged 11 – 30 on their various stages of life in 2024. It is a ‘must read’ for all employers, it makes clear the challenges young people in work are currently facing and what those looking for work now or in the future might require.
What is clear is the crucial role employers play in supporting young people transitioning into employment and navigating wider change. Growing confidence and knowledge through early careers explore and experience opportunities and by offering good quality routes to employment.
Our employer membership service offers a range of resources to help employers develop their current youth employment practices, and consider how they support young people’s mental health in the workplace. You can learn more about our membership offer and how you can join here – Employer Membership | Youth Employment UK.
Links to extra reading
- You can read our latest Youth Voice Census 2024.
- Our inquiry into the impact of mental ill health on young people accessing the labour market and good quality work.
