Just four in 10 workers aged over 50 are prioritising their mental health at the moment, according to research from MetLife.
The research, which forms part of the insurer’s Re:Me report, found only 43% of those aged 50+ were prioritising their mental health currently, with fulfilment and a sense of belonging within an organisation considered a greater priority than mental health.
However, younger workers aged 18-29 were experiencing anxiety around monetary concerns; with more than a third (35%) claiming they continuously worried about their finances which had affected their productivity levels.
As well as worries around money, job security was another concern that affected young workers’ focus and productivity at work.
The research also showed Covid restrictions and lockdowns had left almost half (47%) of employees feeling isolated from the company they worked for.
Commenting on the findings, Adrian Matthews, employee benefits director at MetLife UK, said: “The pandemic has put a significant strain on employees’ mental health and heightened their concerns about job and financial security.
“Each demographic has been affected by the pandemic in different ways, but employers must view each employee’s situation through an individualistic lens and appreciate that everyone’s experiences are unique – in the same way their workforce are.
“By understanding their unique challenges, organisations can start to better segment staff and their needs, including the focus groups we have identified through our Re:Me research.”
Matthews noted that although the easing of restrictions and the return to the office was likely to have improved the wellbeing of some employees, for others, anxieties and uncertainty will remain.
“It is critical that employers remember the lessons learnt during the pandemic and channel this into future changes that better support the needs of each individual employee,” he added.
