Survey finds that young people also feel more pressure in their lives than older colleagues
Research on nearly 4,000 people over two years has found that 48% of workers aged 18-30 had experienced suicidal thoughts or feelings, compared to 35% of older colleagues. The survey by Accenture on behalf of This Can Happen (a conferenced on positive mental health in the workplace) also found that 45% of 18-30 year-old workers admitted to avoiding talking about their mental health while at work, compared to 22% of older employees. On top of this, 40% of younger workers said the pressure of their job affected them on a daily basis. Barbara Harvey, managing director and mental health lead for Accenture UK said: “It’s clear that many young people face challenges with their mental health before they enter the workforce and while working, and that they are affected more often than their senior peers. Therefore, mental health must be a priority issue for employers,” Businesses need to ensure there is “an open, supportive work environment which enables employees of all ages to look after their mental health, support one another, and perform at their best,” Harvey said. The study highlighted the importance of a supportive working environment, with 41% of workers in such workplaces experiencing mental health challenges compared to 65% in less supportive companies. This Can Happen founder Zoe Sinclair said: “With this survey we hope that many employers will examine their recruitment, induction and management styles to support younger members of their workforce.” “Undertaking large scale insightful research programmes that highlight the challenges faced by those entering the workforce is an integral part of what This Can Happen and Accenture are working towards.”