Generation Z and young Millennials workers in the UK are missing the equivalent of a working day every week due to mental health problems, new research shows.
Analysis of vitalitythe health and life insurer with over 30 million members worldwide, has found that the average worker in the UK feels unable to work for almost 50 days a year – costing the UK economy a staggering £138 billion ($176 billion).
Among those under 30, the number of lost productive days rises to 60, while the generation
The root cause, according to Vitality’s findings, is clear: younger, less affluent workers are struggling with mental health issues without adequate employer support.
While physical health issues led to a 54% drop in productivity, mental health issues were more severe, leading to a staggering 150% loss in productive days, particularly among teenagers.
Depression rates are twice as high among younger workers, accompanied by higher levels of burnout and fatigue compared to their older counterparts.
What’s more, those earning less than £30,000 ($38,000) a year are 86% more likely to feel neglected by their workplace than higher-earning colleagues.
This likely explains the 2023 statistic that workers have an average of only six sick days, with the majority of lost hours due to ineffective work.
Essentially, Gen Zers work 54 days a year but accomplish nothing due to mental hurdles and a reluctance to seek help from superiors.
Only a quarter of employees actually use corporate wellness tools
Even when companies offer psychological support to their employees, take-up is worryingly low.
Only 25% of the 4,000 people surveyed said they use the wellness tools offered by their employer.
However, 85% of those who used it found it useful – suggesting that employers either find it difficult to publicize the help on offer or that the majority of employees are afraid to accept their employer’s support.
Neville Koopowitz, CEO of Vitality, emphasized that companies need to get better at communicating their support resources.
“If workplace health is managed correctly, companies and the overall economy will benefit significantly,” said Koopowitz.
Burnout leads to an increase in the number of psychologically-related working days
Vitality’s research comes as the charity Mental Health UK warns that the UK is on the verge of a “burnt out nation.”
The 2024 Burnout Report found that nine out of ten adults were exposed to high or extreme pressure and stress at some point in the past year and one in five took time off as a result.
Additionally, it has been confirmed that young employees are statistically the most likely to suffer and take time off.
“Britain is fast becoming a burnt-out country, with worrying numbers of people taking time off work due to stress-related poor mental health,” said Brian Dow, chief executive of Mental Health UK.
“High levels of absenteeism due to poor mental health are a major challenge, but the causes are complex.”
Ultimately, the report calls on British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to get to the bottom of the problem and help companies deal with the costs of constant absences.
Dow even floated the idea of a “national summit” with government officials and experts to discuss “how we can create healthy workplaces and best support people to stay in their jobs or return to their jobs when faced with stress.” and poor mental health.”
Are you a young worker who is struggling to be productive at work due to mental health issues? We would love to hear your story. Contact us: orianna.royle@fortune.com.
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