Loneliness amongst young people has been identified as a significant and continuing issue, with a shocking 27% of students surveyed in the Cibyl Mental Health Study 2022 saying that they do not have any friends at university. Even when students say they feel supported by their university, a third admit to feeling lonely at least once a week.
At September’s Breakfast News we explored this growing issue. Terry Waite CBE was our keynote speaker, and he spoke movingly about his experiences of being a hostage in Lebanon in the 1980s, and how four years spent in solitary confinement has given him unique insight into dealing with stress and loneliness.
Stephen Isherwood, CEO, ISE, revealed that UK employers are now losing five percent of their early-talent hires for mental health reasons, which explains why many organisations are increasing their levels of wellbeing support. Using ISE data and member feedback, Stephen explored the mental health concerns that employers need to consider when hiring students and how they can develop a robust and meaningful wellbeing programme in their organisations.
Mike Hanbidge, Head of Employer Brand, Blackbridge Communications, used Cibyl research and expert insights to explore how employers can talk about this important issue in their communications with employees and candidates.
By the end of the session it was clear that, for employers, understanding the complexity of the issues young people face, and learning how to communicate the support they offer, is critical to future recruitment success. But it was also clear from our online audience of employers and educators how committed they are in supporting young people’s wellbeing and enabling them to thrive in the post-Covid work environment.
If you would like to view the slides from the session please click here.
Notes
GTI's Breakfast News is one of the UK’s leading early careers industry network events – bringing together early talent recruiters, recruitment marketing agencies and universities to discuss the most topical and relevant issues facing the sector.
The next Breakfast News will be at 9am on 14 December 2022.
