In the past few years, we've seen a significant transformation in the global workplace, particularly since 2020. The pandemic accelerated the adoption of hybrid work models for employees who can work remotely. This shift has added a new layer of complexity to people management, especially younger workers. Companies have had to balance the needs of both remote and on-site workers, each group facing its own unique set of challenges.

For remote-capable employees, the hybrid work model offered flexibility but also brought issues like isolation, difficulty in separating work from personal life, and a lack of in-person collaboration. These factors can impact their overall wellbeing and productivity.

That's why one of the most pressing concerns that has emerged is the mental health of younger workers. Recent studies, including a comprehensive report from 2024, indicate that younger employees are experiencing lower levels of wellbeing compared to their older counterparts. This trend is alarming and highlights the need for organizations to rethink their approach to employee wellbeing and support.

Younger workers, often more tech-savvy and adaptable to change, are surprisingly struggling with mental health issues more than expected.

Globally, employee wellbeing declined from 35% to 34%.

In 2023, we saw a slight but significant dip in global employee wellbeing, dropping from 35% to 34%, according to Gallup's wellbeing item. This measure takes a comprehensive look at overall life evaluation, merging present-day experiences with future outlooks. Interestingly, this decline hit younger workers under 35 the hardest.

While it's easy to brush off generational divides as overblown (sometimes), this particular trend is something leaders should pay close attention to. Many leaders, who are often older, may not share the same views on the present and future as their younger workers.

The thing is, a decade ago, workers consistently reported higher life evaluations compared to their older counterparts. They were often more optimistic about their future, contributing to higher overall life evaluations. However, the recent decline suggests that younger workers are experiencing more stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction with their current and future prospects. This shift could be due to a variety of factors, including economic instability, changing job markets, and the long-term impacts of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also, this indicates that the current difference in perspective isn't just a matter of age or life stage. Younger workers today are facing unique challenges and uncertainties that previous generations may not have encountered at the same stage in their careers. This divergence in outlook is not something to be ignored. It's a clear signal that the traditional approaches to employee wellbeing and engagement might not be resonating as effectively with this younger demographic.

Younger workers are more concerned about the future.

For example, according to a recent survey by the American Psychological Association, younger workers are showing a unique blend of enthusiasm and anxiety when it comes to the future of work. They are more inclined to use artificial intelligence tools to help with their tasks, indicating a readiness to embrace new technologies.

However, this openness comes with a significant downside: a heightened sense of worry about job security. Many younger employees fear that the very technology they are adept at using could eventually render their roles obsolete. This concern is less prevalent among older workers, who seem more confident in the stability of their positions.

Another concerning finding from the survey is the prevalence of burnout among workers, particularly the younger demographic. A substantial 67% of employees reported experiencing symptoms associated with burnout in the past month. These symptoms include a lack of interest, motivation, or energy, feelings of loneliness or isolation, and a noticeable drop in effort at work. Such statistics paint a troubling picture of the current state of mental health in the workplace.

In India, graduates can't find jobs

Also, finding a job is another factor that impacts the wellbeing of Indian youth. There's a striking paradox in the job market: graduates are finding it harder to secure employment compared to those without any formal schooling. According to the International Labour Organization., the jobless rate for graduates is a staggering 29.1%. This is almost nine times higher than the 3.4% unemployment rate for individuals who are illiterate.

The impact of this on the wellbeing of young people is profound. Unemployment can lead to financial instability, which in turn affects mental and physical health. The frustration of not being able to find a job despite having invested in higher education can lead to a sense of hopelessness and diminished self-worth.

Final thoughts

The high unemployment rates among educated young and the uncertainty about the future of young workers in India can lead to financial stress, a sense of frustration, and diminished self-worth. These factors can contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Given this context, initiatives like Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) India become incredibly important.

MHFA India plays a vital role in addressing the mental health needs of individuals facing such challenges during higher education, or in workplaces. By providing education and support around mental health, MHFA helps to reduce stigma, increase awareness, and equip people with the skills to offer initial help to those experiencing mental health problems. This support is crucial in helping young people cope with the stress of employment and the uncertainty of unemployment.