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As awareness of mental health issues among young people grows, it is vital for employers to understand how these challenges could affect their workforce and what measures they can take to support their employees effectively. Research suggests that 68% of parents with children aged 9 to 18 are concerned about their children’s mental wellbeing.
The growing concern of young people’s mental health
Nearly 20% of children aged 7 to 16 have a mental health condition, highlighting the clear need for comprehensive support systems.
The impact on working parents
Six out of 10 parents reported that this had negatively impacted their mental health, and nearly half (48%) acknowledged that it had affected their work performance. These issues can spill over into the workday, potentially affecting employee presenteeism. Therefore, offering support to employees dealing with their children’s mental health challenges could help them to feel more understood and engaged with their employer.
Strategies and benefits of supporting employees
- Providing flexible working hours or remote work options can enable employees to manage their work-life balance more effectively. This flexibility could help parents to attend medical appointments or care for their children without the added stress of inflexible work schedules.
- Training managers and employees on mental health awareness could foster a more understanding and supportive workplace. This training can cover 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.
- Promoting open communication about mental health can help reduce stigma and make employees feel more comfortable seeking help. Fostering a culture where mental health is openly discussed can lead to better support for those in need. Providing employees with guides and resources to navigate these challenges can encourage them to take actionable steps to improve their situation and regain control.
- Implementing policies that support families, such as parental leave, childcare assistance, and family health benefits, can help to make a significant impact the workforce.
Addressing children’s mental health is not just a personal issue for employees; it is a business imperative. By acknowledging 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 children’s mental health can bring substantial benefits to 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.
Additionally, cultivating a culture that prioritises mental health can help boost employee loyalty and retention. When employees feel that their employers genuinely care about their families’ wellbeing, they can be more likely to remain with the company for the long term. This dedication to mental health support can also enhance the overall reputation of the business, making it an appealing workplace for top talent. By addressing the mental health needs of the next generation, businesses can cultivate a more resilient and engaged workforce.
By addressing the mental health needs of the next generation, businesses can ensure their current workforce becomes more resilient and engaged. This is undoubtedly positive news for both employees and employers, now and in the future.
To find out more information about young people’s mental health see download the following guides:
A toolkit for caregivers: Looking after a young person’s mental health – https://www.bupa.co.uk/~/media/Files/MMS/MMS-hosting/bins-15707.pdf?pdg_channel=obw&pdg_network=hr_magazine&pdg_campaign=young_peoples_mental_health
A parent’s guide to opening up mental health conversations with their child – Break Through And Be Heard
- https://www.morganstanley.com/articles/childrens-mental-health-effect-on-parents
- NHS Mental Health of Children and Young People, 2022; Children’s Society (2008) The Good Childhood Inquiry – Break Through And Be Heard
- Supporting child mental health delivers dividends | Bupa UK
