In this day and age, the mental health of young people has become a prevalent concern. Over a quarter of young people between the ages of 16-24 have experienced a mental health condition in their life. As well as this, 1 in 5 school age children have a mental health difficulty. That is why it is extremely important for organisations to put the appropriate precautions and systems in place to support the mental health of the younger members of their workforce. It is not only imperative for their people on an individual level, but also for organisational success.
What challenges do young professionals face in the world of work?
Young people are dealing with a lot right now. After living through a financial crash, years of austerity, a global pandemic and the constant pressure of social media, it’s hardly surprising that their mental health is under strain.
The pandemic and wider geopolitical issues have left both the UK and global economy shaky. With the cost of living soaring and redundancies increasing, the CIPD now predicts that a quarter of organisations plan further job cuts. It’s easy to see why anxiety and depression are rising when people are worried about everyday expenses and whether their job is safe.
For young people who were studying during the pandemic, the disruption was huge. Four in five students say their learning took a hit, 60% say their career plans changed, and almost half don’t believe they’ll ever fully catch up. Even though this might seem separate from workplace conversations, the knock-on effects are still unfolding as many young people have changed direction entirely or struggled to enter the field they originally planned for.
What are the statistics for young adults' Mental Health?
With so many pressures affecting young people and contributing to falling levels of mental wellbeing, it’s worth asking whether joining the workforce is making things worse. The data points in that direction, suggesting that starting work is a significant factor in the decline of good mental health among young adults.
• One in five workers aged 16–24 worry their mental health may affect their ability to stay employed.
• A third of young workers feel their job is having a negative impact on their mental wellbeing.
• Almost half of those aged 16–24 expect their mental health to deteriorate over the coming year.
• The same proportion fear their worsening health could push them out of the labour market.
• Over half of all sickness absences are linked to mental health challenges.
• Rates of mental health issues are highest in hospitality and real estate, affecting 23.8% and 23.6% of workers in those sectors.
What can employers and line managers do to support mental health of young adults?
With mental health issues increasing among young people, employers and senior leaders need to step up and provide proper support to ease these worries in the workplace.
Create a culture of openness and support:
Creating an environment where staff feel comfortable talking about mental health can lead to a healthier workplace overall. When open communication is encouraged and conversations about mental wellbeing are treated as normal rather than something to hide, it helps break down stigma and makes it easier to put meaningful support in place.
Promote a healthy work-life balance:
Research consistently shows that young people increasingly prioritise a strong work-life balance when choosing a career or employer. One study found that 48% of 18–24-year-olds view work-life balance as the most important aspect of their career, while 52% of Millennials aged 29–44 place it above career progression. This highlights just how significant work-life balance is for younger workers. Encouraging staff to switch off after working hours and focus on their personal wellbeing is a key part of supporting positive mental health.
Push awareness campaigns:
This is often one of the simplest steps organisations can take to support mental wellbeing and encourage conversations around mental health. Clearly demonstrating that the organisation understands, values and promotes positive mental health and inclusion through relevant awareness events can help staff feel more at ease and more willing to engage in open discussion.
Prepare leadership to tackle the issues surrounding mental health:
Equipping senior leadership with the right knowledge and training is essential for supporting staff and responding to potential mental health crises. This can be done through Mental Health First Aid training for senior leaders, which provides them with the skills needed to recognise poor mental health, offer appropriate support and put effective action plans in place to guide individuals toward the right help.
Provide access to mental health resources:
Because stigma still surrounds conversations about mental health, many employees may find it difficult to speak up, especially to senior leaders. Providing confidential and trustworthy support options is therefore essential. An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is an effective way to offer this. Through HA | Wisdom Wellbeing’s EAP, staff have 24/7 access to a confidential helpline staffed by accredited counsellors who can help with a wide range of mental health concerns. This support helps individuals better understand their wellbeing and can ultimately improve their engagement at work.
What are some effective coping strategies for stress and anxiety in young professionals?
In the moment, stress and anxiety can feel overwhelming, making it seem impossible to break free from the negative emotions they bring. However, there are practical strategies that can help manage these feelings. Here are some quick and easy ways for young professionals to cope with and reduce stress and anxiety:
Mindfulness:
When work and life pressures start to feel overwhelming, it can be helpful to take a step back and focus on yourself for a moment. Practicing meditation or breathing exercises can provide clarity and help reset your mindset. The Wisdom App offers a variety of easy-to-follow routines to guide you through these practices.
Physical activity:
Regular physical activity can lift your mood and release feel-good hormones that help reduce stress. Exercise doesn’t have to be intense—something as simple as a short walk can make a difference. This could be a quick stroll during breaks, walking meetings organised by managers, or using standing desks to keep people moving throughout the day.
Time management:
Time management is key both at work and in everyday life. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks makes planning, executing, and reviewing them much easier. Whether it’s a work project, a household chore, or organising social activities, knowing how long each part should take helps reduce the stress and anxiety that can come from seeing everything as one overwhelming task.
Establishing boundaries:
A crucial lesson for line managers and Mental Health First Aiders is teaching young employees about boundaries. While fostering connection and open discussion is important, some individuals also need personal space to maintain their wellbeing. Stress and anxiety can strain communication, so taking a step back or accessing a confidential support channel can provide the calm needed to address challenges. The same applies to work-life balance: when leaders encourage leaving work at work, it allows individuals to focus on personal matters, reduce stress, and find solutions with clarity.
Seeking professional support:
In some situations, particularly those involving Critical Incident Stress Management Debriefing (CISMD), specialised support may be needed. Having a qualified Mental Health First Aider on-site ensures that appropriate guidance is available, as they can address the situation effectively and direct anyone affected to professional help when necessary.
Conclusion
Young adults stepping into the workforce face increasing challenges and pressures. What they need most is the support of their workplace and confidence from leadership in their potential. This kind of backing not only fosters personal growth but also drives organisational success, higher engagement, and stronger performance. Helping young employees manage their mental wellbeing and navigate issues like anxiety and depression benefits them as individuals while also strengthening the overall success of your organisation.