Structure Survey Reveals Grim Conditions for Youth in the Workforce
### Common Challenges and Mental Health Impact on Young Workers in Australia, the UK, and Latin America
In a 2019 survey conducted by the Young Workers' Lab at UNI Global Union, over 1,700 participants from Australia, the UK, and Latin America shared their experiences and insights into the challenges they face in their professional lives. While the specific findings of the survey are not detailed here, we can explore some common themes that emerged, particularly in relation to employment security, mental health, and social inequality.
#### Precarious Employment
Young workers in all three regions often find themselves in precarious employment situations. This includes part-time or temporary jobs that offer little job security and can lead to financial instability. The uncertainty surrounding their future can contribute to feelings of anxiety and stress.
#### Mental Health Concerns
The stress associated with unstable employment and the pressure to meet performance expectations can take a toll on the mental health of young workers. In all regions, participants reported concerns about stress, anxiety, and depression, which can be exacerbated by a lack of support systems and mental health resources.
#### Limited Access to Resources
In some regions, particularly Latin America, young workers may face additional challenges due to limited access to education, training, and social services. These factors can further contribute to mental health concerns and feelings of frustration.
#### Social and Economic Inequality
Socioeconomic disparities can affect the opportunities and well-being of young workers, leading to feelings of frustration and hopelessness. In Australia, for example, workers reported growing financial insecurity amidst higher prices and a lack of recognition of the liveable wage.
#### Impact on Mental Health
The uncertainties and pressures of the job market can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels among young workers. A lack of access to mental health resources or support systems can further exacerbate these challenges. The pressure to perform in a competitive job market can also strain mental health.
In Latin America, workers expressed anxiety about the rise of digitalization and its consequences for decent work. Workers in Australia expressed dissatisfaction with a lack of care and appreciation from their employers, while in Australia, pay for public holidays and Sundays was a recurring theme, with workers reporting a lack of compensation for working on these days. Workers in Australia also reported feeling pressured to work even when sick due to abuses of power by management.
For precise details from the 2019 survey by the Young Workers' Lab at UNI Global Union, it would be necessary to access the specific report or related publications. However, the insights gained from this survey highlight the need for continued efforts to address the challenges faced by young workers and to promote mental health and well-being in the workplace.
- The survey revealed that technology, such as digitalization, can provoke anxiety among young workers in Latin America due to concerns about its impact on decent work.
- In many regions, including Australia, there is a lack of access to resources like mental health services, which can further exacerbate mental health concerns among young workers.
- The report underscores the importance of addressing the mental health needs of young workers, as economic hardships, relationship challenges, and social inequality can negatively impact their health and well-being.
