The podcast discusses the growing concern of mental health in the workplace, particularly among younger generations. It explores factors such as poor work-life balance and toxic team culture. The changing attitudes towards work-life balance and alternative sources of income are also explored. The economic cost of mental health problems and the increasing demand for mental health support in the workplace are highlighted. The potential impact of social media on the mental health of young people is discussed, along with the misidentification of normal human emotions as mental health problems. The need for increasing awareness and education to normalize conversations about mental health in the workplace is emphasized.
Mental health is a major cause of long-term sickness, particularly among younger people, leading to a significant number of individuals not working.
Younger individuals prioritize mental health and work-life balance over high salaries, highlighting the need for employers to create supportive environments and prioritize mental health support.
Deep dives
Rising Rates of Mental Health-Related Employment Inactivity
A significant number of working-age individuals are experiencing mental health-related employment inactivity, with about a quarter of all working age people reporting that mental health is the reason why they do not work. The problem is more pronounced among younger age groups, with five times as many people not working due to mental health conditions compared to physical conditions in the age group of 16-34. The scale of mental health-related employment inactivity has been increasing, with an additional 90,000 people expected to be out of work due to mental health conditions by 2023.
The Economic Consequences of Mental Health-Related Employment Inactivity
The economic costs of mental health-related employment inactivity are significant. A concept known as 'human capital' highlights the value that individuals bring to the economy in terms of productivity, taxes, and earnings. Losing younger individuals from the workforce due to mental health issues has a higher economic impact, as they have more working years left and greater potential for contributing to the economy. Research shows that younger people are more likely to leave a job due to mental health reasons, indicating the need for employers to provide psychologically safe environments and prioritize mental health support.
Changing Attitudes and Priorities in the Workplace
There is a shifting trend among the younger generation in prioritizing mental health and work-life balance over monetary considerations. Many younger individuals are choosing to leave jobs that negatively impact their mental health, valuing happiness and overall well-being more than high salaries. However, there is a need for employers to create a supportive and inclusive work environment that normalizes conversations about mental health. It is crucial for employers to understand the economic and social implications of mental health issues and offer appropriate support and resources to retain talented employees.
A record 2.6 million people are off work due to long-term sickness, with mental health conditions the biggest single contributor. The problem is particularly acute among younger people, who are disproportionately likely to cite poor mental health as their reason for not working. Other surveys suggest that poor mental health and burnout are among the top reasons for young people to quit their job. But should young people develop more resilience and “soldier on”, as older generations may have done, or is being more open about mental health a good thing? And how well are employers adapting to the expectations of younger workers when it comes to mental health and wellbeing?
Contributors:
Tim Gibbs, Head of Public Service Analysis Team, Office for National Statistics
Emma Codd, Global Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Deloitte
Gabrielle Judge, Influencer and CEO, Anti Work Girlboss
Joel Gujral, CEO and Founder, MYNDUP
Dr Lucy Foulkes, Research Fellow in the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford
Mel Stride, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Alison McGovern, Shadow Minister for Work and Pensions
With thanks to City, University of London
Presenter: James Kirkup
Producer: Dan Hardoon
Editor: Clare Fordham
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