Young adults in the United Kingdom are grappling with significant workplace stress, as a recent study indicates that nearly two in five have taken time off due to burnout in the past year. This alarming trend emerges from the latest Burnout Report by Mental Health UK, which highlights the pervasive mental health challenges facing young workers.
The survey, conducted by YouGov, involved over 4,500 individuals, including 2,591 workers, and found that more than 91% reported experiencing high or extreme levels of stress last year. The report underscores a pressing need for organizations to address mental health issues proactively, with Brian Dow, chief executive of Mental Health UK, emphasizing that attempting to boost the economy without addressing chronic workplace stress is like “trying to accelerate with the handbrake on.”
High Stress Levels Among Young Workers
The survey reveals that one in five workers took time off work due to poor mental health linked to stress, maintaining similar levels to the previous year. Individuals aged 25 to 34 reported the highest rates of stress, with 96% indicating they experienced high or extreme stress levels. Yet, the findings suggest that younger adults, particularly those aged 18 to 24, continue to face intense pressure in the workplace. This group reported a 93% incidence of high stress, with almost two in five (39%) taking time off due to mental health concerns, a 3% increase from the previous year.
Additional data from the survey indicates that nearly half of the individuals in this age group (45%) felt isolated at work. Other significant stressors included fears of redundancy (43%) and overwhelming workloads (57%). Furthermore, a substantial 65% of 18 to 24-year-olds reported poor sleep quality, while 64% expressed worries about financial stability. A notable 60% also indicated feelings of isolation outside of work.
Need for Support and Action
Dow cautions that burnout is rapidly becoming one of the UK’s most pressing challenges. He stated, “We all want a thriving economy that benefits employers and workers alike, but unless we tackle chronic workplace stress and help people perform at their best, we are effectively trying to accelerate with the handbrake on.” The report emphasizes the need for organizations to enhance their support systems for younger workers.
For those who took time off due to stress, over a quarter (27%) reported receiving no support upon their return. Alarmingly, fewer than one in five (17%) had a formal return-to-work plan established. Additionally, 18% of workers felt that mental health initiatives were treated as a “tick box exercise,” while 10% stated that mental health is not prioritized at all.
In a notable addition to this year’s survey, questions regarding the impact of menopausal symptoms on burnout were included. More than two-thirds (68%) of women aged 45 to 54 acknowledged that these symptoms contributed to their stress levels. Similarly, more than a third (35%) of women aged 35 to 44 and over a quarter (27%) of those aged 55 and above agreed.
Dow highlighted the essential role that employers play in supporting their workforce. He noted that many managers feel uncertain about initiating conversations regarding stress and mental health. “If we want to see a thriving workforce, organizations must move faster in supporting managers to act early,” he said, urging that proactive measures are vital to prevent stress from escalating into burnout.
The findings from the Burnout Report underscore an urgent call for organizations to create supportive environments that address mental health challenges. As the workforce landscape continues to evolve, swift action is essential to ensure that young workers receive the support they need to thrive both personally and professionally.
