Work itself is increasingly contributing to poor mental health.

One in six workers is now struggling because of their job, highlighting that good quality work is one of the most powerful levers for preventing poor mental health.

Financial hardship in the workforce has spiked.

The proportion of workers financially struggling has doubled in the past decade, and the impact on mental health is clear.

The wellbeing of young people (aged 16–24) is declining fast.

Workforce mental health inequalities are widening, and economic inactivity is growing alongside shrinking entry-level job opportunities, rising job insecurity and cost-of-living affordability pressures, which negatively impact young people’s ability to enter and progress in work.

People with a disability or long-term health condition face stark inequalities.

Structural barriers – including inaccessible and inflexible job opportunities, stigma and discrimination – create a cycle of poor mental health and workforce exclusion.

One in four working lone parents face financial hardship.

The challenge of balancing work and parenting, while facing stigma and financial insecurity, has intergenerational consequences, shaping the mental health and socioeconomic outcomes of their children.

Unemployment and economic inactivity are risk factors for poor mental health – but this can be prevented.

Ensuring people have financial security is essential for supporting re-entry to the workforce and preventing a cycle of declining wellbeing.

Employers and governments must act to prevent poor mental health and widening inequalities for workers.

Conversations with workplace leaders and people with lived experience set out clear recommendations to reverse these trends and promote better mental health for everyone.