A survey out today points to a growing generational divide in experiences of stress and poor mental health in the workplace at a time of rising economic inactivity among the young, which organisations must address or else risk losing out on the newest generation of workers.
The Burnout report by Mental Health U.K.found 18-24-year-olds most likely to be absent due to poor mental health caused by stress, amid a sharp decline in likelihood they’d open up with line managers about stress levels
While the proportion of people needing time off work due to poor mental health caused by stress remained constant at around one in five (21%), the Burnout Report 2025 shows increases in the proportion of those aged 18-24, 25-34 and 35-44 who needed time off in the past year for this reason, and a decrease among those aged 45-54 and 55+**.
Those aged between 18-24 were also most likely to report high stress due to issues such as having to regularly work unpaid overtime (experienced by 48%), taking on additional hours due to the increased cost of living (46%) and feeling isolated at work (44%). Meanwhile those aged 25-34 were most likely to report high stress due to a high or increased workload or volume of tasks (56%) and fears of redundancy or job security (45%).
It appears younger generations are less able to enjoy a work-life balance too, with just one-third (33%) of 18-24-year-olds agreeing with the statement that they could switch off from work when they needed to, compared with 46% of those aged 55+.
And in a warning sign of a breakdown in trust between employers and younger workers, the proportion of 18-24-year-olds who would feel comfortable opening up to a line manager about pressure and stress dropped sharply from 75% in the Burnout Report 2024 to 56% in the past year.
The report raises concerns that there could still be a culture of silence around stress, with the hidden issue of presenteeism potentially impacting productivity.
One in five admitted their productivity or performance was impacted by high levels of pressure or stress but that they didn’t adjust their hours or take time off work, while nearly one in five chose not to disclose their high levels of pressure or stress.
Commenting on the report Brian Dow, Chief Executive of Mental Health UK said:
Our second annual health check of stress levels gives a worrying reading of the nation’s continuing risk of burnout. As the government grapples with how to tackle high rates of economic inactivity, our report provides insights around how employers can turn the tide and create mentally healthier workplaces to prevent people reaching burnout and dropping out of work.
“While there were some incremental signs of progress compared with last year, our findings pose important questions on whether employers are sufficiently adapting to the needs of a modern workforce, as well as the impact of external factors such as an overwhelmed NHS and money worries on our wellbeing.
“Our survey clearly reveals it is young people most at risk of high stress in the workplace, but raises doubts around whether they feel able to open up to their line manager and explore reasonable adjustments that could help prevent burnout. As the gap between generations widen, there’s a need to rebuild bridges and open up conversations on changing attitudes and expectations around work.
“We’re calling on employers to reconsider the approach to mental health and explore reasonable adjustments and workplace wellbeing initiatives in collaboration with their young employees. Otherwise, they risk losing out on the newest generation of workers as they either seek employment elsewhere or disengage. Unfortunately, many organisations still offer 20th century mental health support for a 21st century workforce. Companies understandably have their bottom lines to bear in mind, but improved mental health support will benefit all workers and boost productivity, and should be seen as a win-win.”
