A recent study has revealed a worrying trend among young workers in the UK, with a significant number taking time off due to burnout. This issue is a growing concern, impacting almost two in every five young adults.
The findings highlight the pressures faced by this demographic, both in their personal lives and at work. With nine out of ten individuals reporting high or extreme stress levels, it's clear that chronic workplace stress is taking a toll on their mental health.
The chief executive of Mental Health UK, Brian Dow, describes the situation as a serious shared challenge for the UK. He compares the current economic approach to "trying to accelerate with the handbrake on" if workplace stress isn't addressed.
The charity's latest Burnout Report, based on a YouGov poll of over 4,500 people, including 2,591 workers, provides an insightful snapshot of the nation's stress levels. It reveals that one in five workers took time off due to stress-related poor mental health, a figure that has remained consistent over the past year.
The report also highlights that people aged 25 to 34 are most likely to experience high or extreme stress levels, with 96% reporting such experiences. However, it suggests that young adults aged 18 to 24 continue to face significant strain in the workplace, with 93% reporting high or extreme pressure and stress.
Almost two in five (39%) of this age group took time off due to poor mental health, a 3% increase from the previous year. Feeling isolated at work was a significant factor, with 45% citing it as a contributor to their issues. Other concerns included fears of redundancy (43%) and high workloads (57%).
The impact of stress extends beyond the workplace, with almost two-thirds of 18 to 24-year-olds reporting poor sleep and money worries (64%), and 60% feeling isolated outside of work.
The report also sheds light on the support (or lack thereof) received by those who took time off due to stress. More than a quarter (27%) said they received no support upon their return to work, and fewer than one in five (17%) had a formal return-to-work plan in place.
Additionally, the survey revealed that 18% of workers feel mental health is treated as a mere formality, and one in ten believe it's not prioritized at all.
In a first for the poll, women were asked if menopausal symptoms contributed to burnout. More than two-thirds of women aged 45 to 54 agreed, along with more than a third aged 35 to 44, and more than a quarter aged 55 and over.
Mr. Dow emphasizes the vital role of employers in helping people stay in work, especially as managers often feel uncertain about initiating conversations on stress and mental health. He urges organizations to move faster in supporting managers to address these issues early, before stress and poor mental health lead to burnout and employees are pushed out of work.
This study serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace mental health support and the need for a thriving, healthy workforce.
