A recent survey by Mental Health UK shows that younger workers are increasingly reluctant to discuss job-related stress with senior staff, contributing to a growing mental health crisis in the workplace. The report highlights a 4% increase in younger workers (up to age 44) taking time off due to stress-related mental health issues. In contrast, older generations (45 and above) saw a 9% decrease in similar absences.
The data shows a sharp decline in the number of workers aged 18-24 who feel comfortable confiding in their managers about stress, dropping from 75% to 56% over the past year. Conversely, older workers reported a slight improvement in stress management and comfort in discussing these issues with supervisors, going from 57% in 2023 to 60% in 2024.
Overall levels of workplace are high
Despite these generational differences, the overall levels of workplace stress remain alarmingly high, with 91% of UK adults reporting significant pressure in the past year. Younger employees are most affected, with 35% needing time off due to health issues, compared to just 10% of workers aged 55 and over.
Younger workers also face higher rates of presenteeism, with 21% admitting that stress negatively impacts their productivity, yet they continue working without taking necessary breaks.
Key causes of stress for young workers include unpaid overtime (48%) and extra hours due to the rising cost of living (46%). For those aged 25-34, increased workloads (56%) and job insecurity (45%) are the primary causes of stress. The ability to disconnect from work is another challenge, with only 33% of 18 to 24-year-olds managing to do so, compared to 46% of those aged 55 and above.
“The lack of engagement and connection within the workplace has far-reaching consequences, not least for employee retention and productivity. A culture of presenteeism persists, with one in five admitting that stress or pressure negatively impacted their performance, yet they continued working without adjusting their hours or seeking support. This reluctance to take action highlights an ongoing stigma surrounding stress and burnout, further entrenching their effects,” said Brian Dow, CEO of Mental Health UK.