New report reveals a generational divide in stress-related sickness, with young workers suffering disproportionately as employers struggle to address mental health issues.

A striking 35% of young workers aged 18 to 24 took sick days in 2024 due to mental health issues caused by stress, according to a new survey by charity Mental Health UK. This figure highlights the increasing strain on Generation Z, who are far more likely than older colleagues to take time off for stress-related illnesses.

In contrast, only 10% of employees over the age of 55 reported taking sick leave due to burnout, the lowest of any age group. The generational divide is clear, with younger workers facing heightened mental health challenges that are taking a toll on their ability to stay in the workforce.

The findings come amid a broader mental health crisis in the UK, which has seen a sharp rise in economic inactivity among young people due to ill health. Research by the Office for National Statistics reveals that mental health issues are now one of the leading causes for young people exiting the workforce, with anxiety, depression, and other common disorders contributing to the problem.

Mental Health UK’s report stresses that the rise in mental health problems is also impacting those still in work, with many young people struggling to cope with workplace stressors such as unpaid overtime and longer hours driven by the rising cost of living. A significant number of young workers also reported feeling anxious about job security, exacerbating their stress levels.

One of the most alarming trends is the decline in young workers’ confidence in discussing their mental health issues with employers. In 2023, 75% felt comfortable raising concerns with their managers; by 2024, that number had dropped to just 56%. This decrease in openness could be linked to a “hiring recession” that has made many employees fear potential redundancies and reluctant to ask for necessary accommodations.

Louise Murphy from the Resolution Foundation notes that around a third of young adults have a common mental health disorder, a figure that is having significant knock-on effects on their education and career prospects. Young people are not only more likely to experience poor mental health, but their ability to find stable employment and perform well at work is often compromised.

The growing mental health crisis among young workers presents a serious challenge for employers, who risk losing valuable staff unless they address these issues. Mental Health UK’s CEO, Brian Dow, urged employers to take action and foster open discussions about stress, highlighting that improving mental health support could help prevent burnout and reduce absenteeism in the long term.