With the class of 2023 preparing to enter the job market, businesses need to consider how to meet their raised mental health expectations. Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, these graduates saw their institutions go above and beyond to support their mental health, which may create an even greater demand for resources from prospective employers. As Mental Health Awareness Month in May coincides with the graduation season, it’s important to understand the needs of these new job seekers.
According to a recent report from Betterup, organizations are feeling the blowback from rising uncertainty and a new increased pace of change. A staggering 96% of workers are looking to change jobs this year, and 74% of Gen and Millennials are ready to quit over lack of development. Meanwhile, only 32 percent of U.S. full- and part-time employees are engaged, while 18 percent are actively disengaged. The report highlights the top four reasons that nearly 80% of organizational change fails, including over-reliance on tools and processes, lack of knowledge about which skills to prioritize, ineffective managers, and a failure to center transformation efforts around people.
As graduates enter the job market, they are seeking something drastically different from the Draconian workplace practices of their predecessors. Carson Finkle, the CEO of Tenth Street Hats and the chief guide officer of Create Meditation, recommends several mental wellness resources that new graduates should look for in prospective employers. These include a hybrid work schedule that balances office and remote work, a culture that prioritizes work-life balance, and ample vacation time. He also recommends companies incorporate a team component into mental wellness programs and assign all employees a business coach, which research has shown to improve performance, goal attainment, and engagement.
In conclusion, businesses can attract the new generation of job seekers by adopting the five actions recommended by Finkle: incorporating a team component, offering a hybrid work schedule, coaching around mental health, and mindfulness practices, and providing ample vacation days. These actions not only improve organizational performance but also help employees feel a sense of belonging and resilience, ultimately leading to greater job satisfaction and retention.