"No surprise that over half of staff aged 21 to 30 have experienced work-related stress," says BPS
A new report by the Nuffield Trust shows soaring dissatisfaction rates among staff in the health service’s youngest cohort, aged 21 to 30 – based on analysis of NHS surveys.
20 February 2025
The Nuffield Trust has revealed growing rates of dissatisfaction among NHS staff who are aged 21 to 30. Responding to the news, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said:
"It should be no surprise that over half of staff aged 21 to 30 have experienced work-related stress in the last year. With the unrelenting pressure of increased workloads and one of the busiest winters on record, we shouldn't underestimate the psychological damage this can potentially cause.
"You can only have an NHS that is "fit for the future" if you have a well workforce. Wider investment in the health service and a renewed focus on prevention must be a government priority in its next Spending Review. The need for dedicated mental health support for staff is needed now more than ever before. Only then can we improve the health and wellbeing of those on the frontline and give us the best chance of retaining this vital part of the workforce.
"Staff in this age bracket are the future of the health service. Without them there is no NHS, and we must support them wherever possible. Forget them at our peril."
Notes to editors
For the past two years the British Psychological Society has been campaigning for government investment in psychologically-led mental health and wellbeing services for all healthcare professionals.