With increasing awareness of mental health issues among young people, it can be crucial for employers to understand how these challenges can impact their workforce and what they can do to support their employees effectively. Research suggests that 68% of parents with children aged nine to 18 are concerned about their children’s mental wellbeing.
The growing concern of young people’s mental health
Nearly 20% of seven to 16 year olds have a mental health condition, clearly underscoring the need for comprehensive support systems.
The impact on working parents
Six in 10 parents indicated that this had adversely affected their mental health, and nearly half (48%) admitted it had compromised their work performance. These issues can funnel through to their work day, and could affect employee presenteeism, therefore providing support for employees dealing with their children’s mental health issues could help them feel more understood and engaged with their employer.
Strategies and benefits of supporting employees
- Offering flexible working hours or remote work options can help employees manage their work-life balance more effectively. This flexibility could help parents to attend medical appointments or provide care for their children without the added stress of rigid work schedules.
- Providing training for managers and employees on mental health awareness can help create a more understanding and supportive workplace. This training can include recognising signs of mental health issues in parents, and knowing how to offer support. Employees who feel that their employer cares about their personal challenges can be more likely to remain loyal to the company.
- Encouraging open communication about mental health can help to reduce stigma and make employees feel more comfortable seeking help. Creating a culture where mental health is openly discussed can lead to better support for those in need. Providing employees with guides and resources to help them navigate these challenges could encourage the employee to make actionable steps in their life to improve the situation and re-gain control.
- Developing policies that support families, such as parental leave, childcare support, and family health benefits, can help to make a significant difference to the workforce.
Addressing children's mental health is not just a personal issue for employees; it is a business imperative. By recognising the challenges faced by working parents and implementing supportive measures, businesses can help to create a healthier, more productive, and loyal workforce. As insights demonstrate, investing in child mental health can yield significant benefits for businesses. When companies provide resources and support for the mental wellbeing of their employees' children, they could create a more supportive and productive work environment. This approach can help to reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, as employees could be less likely to be distracted or stressed about their children's mental health issues.
Moreover, fostering a culture that prioritises mental health can help to enhance employee loyalty and retention. Employees who feel that their employers genuinely care about their families' wellbeing can be more likely to stay with the company long-term. This commitment to mental health support can also improve the overall reputation of the business, making it an attractive place to work for top talent. By addressing the mental health needs of the next generation, businesses can build a more resilient and engaged workforce.
By addressing the mental health needs of the next generation, businesses can help to ensure that their existing workforce is both more resilient and more engaged. That's got to be good news for workforces and their employers today and into the future.
To find out more information about young people’s mental health see download the following guides:
