Impact of teenage mental health on working parents can't be ignored by businesses: Alison Metcalfe

In conversations with employers both in Yorkshire and nationwide - from family-run firms in Barnsley to professional services in Leeds and around the UK - the same concern comes up time and again: when teenagers struggle, businesses feel it.

We tend to think of teenage mental health as a family matter, but it is already a business issue.

Deloitte reports that 29 per cent of employees lose work time because their teenager is struggling with poor mental health.

Nearly half of working parents admit they can’t fully focus on their jobs because of constant worry about their child’s wellbeing.

That has consequences in Yorkshire, where our economy is built on SMEs and where losing even one skilled member of staff can have an outsized impact.

Whether it’s a nurse in Doncaster, an engineer in Sheffield or a senior associate in a Leeds law firm, the strain parents carry into the workplace is costing us productivity, talent and, in some cases, equality.

Too often, employees keep quiet. Parents fear being judged, or worse, being seen as less committed.

Many seek outside help rather than disclose the reality at home.

The result? Silent burnout, rising absenteeism, and in some cases, experienced professionals - often women - leaving roles altogether to care for their children.

The cost to employers, and to diversity in leadership, is significant.

The wider picture matters too. At a recent mental health conference, cross-bench peers warned that without better support for young people now, there will be fewer skilled workers entering the labour market in future.

Yorkshire’s public services and private businesses alike will struggle to recruit. Rising demand for social care will also drive higher taxes, placing more pressure on employers.

This is why supporting parents and carers should be seen not as altruism, but as smart business.

Evidence shows that for every £1 invested in family wellbeing, companies can expect a £4.70 return in productivity and turnover.

Early-stage interventions don’t just help teenagers; they also build parents’ own emotional intelligence, which translates back into stronger, more resilient teams at work.

Of course, there are challenges. Employers must strike a balance between offering meaningful support and respecting family privacy.

But trust grows in organisations whose culture is genuinely supportive and equitable - and those employers are rewarded with loyalty, lower staff turnover and a stronger reputation.

If Yorkshire wants to thrive economically, we can’t afford to ignore the link between teenage wellbeing and business success.

Companies that invest now in supporting parents and carers will be the ones that attract and retain talent, reduce costs and, ultimately, build a workforce fit for the future.

Alison Metcalfe is CEO of LOHA Health