Graduate wellbeing: managing mental health

The people within your organisation form the foundation of your business and they are the cogs that make the wheels of your company turn. Nothing happens without them which is why it is crucial to ensure that they are well looked after.

The wellbeing of all of your employees, at every level, within every business function, should be a key focus for you as a people manager. However, as we strive to improve flexible working and ensure benefits packages cover a range of health and fitness services, have you considered the mental health of your team? Or, more specifically, the mental health of those new to the workplace joining your team as a graduate? 

After four years of intense study, stress-filled exam blocks and a growing student debt, it is not surprising that many of our graduates are finding life after university challenging. Searching for and starting a new job is a stressful time for the best of us but adding to the mix a huge life adjustment moving out of the well-structured education system into the somewhat cutthroat world of business is a daunting and perhaps overwhelming prospect. 

Recent research, based on a survey of 2,279 Ph.D. and master’s students from 26 countries and 234 education institutions, has found that graduate students are six times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety compared to the general population. The report, published by nature biotechnology, highlights that a “good work–life balance is significantly correlated with better mental health outcomes.” It is also important to note that there is also a positive correlation where there are “strong, supportive and positive mentoring relationships between graduate students and their PI/advisors” with lower rates of anxiety and depression.

A report published by Student Minds assessed how prepared graduates felt as though they were for the workplace after university and some of the results are quite surprising.

While many respondents indicated that they received useful information from their university on how to search and apply for jobs, interview techniques and how to write a CV, the survey also found that graduates receive very little guidance on making the transition out of university and then into the workplace. On top of this, they are also not provided with enough insight into what the current employment market is like. 

It is clear from the above research, that graduates require much more guidance during their transition into working life.

The same research from the Student Minds report above, found that there are a number of factors which help with the transition from university into the workplace. These factors were found to have a significant impact on the levels of stress newly qualified professionals and consequentially their mental health as they start their careers. 

One of the key factors that contributed to a more positive mental wellbeing was a manager who took a genuine interest in their personal development. With this being said, it is important to ensure that graduates feel their line managers are involved and have regular one-to-one catch ups where progress and development are regularly discussed.

Another factor that was found to influence wellbeing was when a graduate felt confident that they had someone they could contact if they were struggling. An open and supportive managerial structure where graduates have key contacts to discuss any issues or concerns with is essential.  

It was also found that where graduates felt more comfortable to take breaks during the day, at lunch, for example, they experience more positive well-being and reduced stress at work. In addition to a culture that encourages employees to step away from their desk and take breaks throughout the day, a culture that is inclusive and involves graduates in work-related social activities was also linked to better mental health. 

The working culture within your organisation also influences the confidence levels of graduates in disclosing their mental health difficulties which is crucial in managing your team’s wellbeing.

Although graduates are new to the workplace and are still adjusting to the office, they have and are more than capable of taking on a growing level of responsibility. Be sure you are assigning a fair workload with a mix of both everyday tasks and stretching work where new projects arise. Admin heavy tasks are monotonous and should not form the foundation of a graduate's remit. To a well-educated individual, accustomed to learning and growing, such tasks will be tedious and this may negatively affect their mental wellbeing. 

As with all of us, being able to keep up with financial pressures is a key factor for balancing wellbeing. Many graduates find themselves out of university with a large debt and growing financial obligations. Be sure the salary you offer your graduate employees is fair for the role they will be working in and will allow them to support themselves comfortably. 

To help manage these factors a well-structured graduate scheme may be the key. The research from Student Minds found that graduate schemes were linked with a more positive graduate experience when entering the workplace and therefore lower stress and a mental health.

If you would like any more information, or to discuss how we can help with your recruitment needs, please get in touch with your local office today. Alternatively, submit a job spec and one of our specialist consultants will be in touch.