We need to talk about mental health

A diverse, healthy and productive workforce is essential to the success of organisations. However, pre-Covid-19 almost 1 in 7 people in the UK experienced mental health challenges in the workplace and evidence suggests that 12.7% of all sickness days could be attributed to mental health conditions. At the same time mental health challenges can fluctuate, making them hard to explain to employers, so those affected can struggle to find new jobs or stay in work. This makes those with mental health conditions one of the most disadvantaged groups in the workplace.

Young people can be particularly affected. 75% of all mental health problems manifest by the age of 24 and even before the pandemic, many young people were often juggling zero-hours contracts, education and challenging home lives, which impacts on their emotional well-being.

These stresses have only increased due to Covid-19, with young people now also suffering from long-term isolation and even more uncertainty about employment. When in work young people often fear raising issues around their mental health with their managers for fear of being treated differently and even losing their jobs. 

Many employers want to help but are unsure how to support young people when mental health issues are raised. They can sometimes make the situation worse through a lack of knowledge and appropriate support. This event, organised in partnership between 42nd Street and Talent RISE, is an opportunity to change this. 

Click here to book on.