Young and Unhappy in the World of Work: What Can We Do About It?

Background:

A crisis of unhappiness among young people, linked to mental health, smartphone overuse, and faltering school-to-work transitions, is spreading across countries and income levels. Can employment policies and social interventions reverse this trend? And what role can schools, governments, and social partners play?

In the latest Employment Policy Department seminar series, economist David Blanchflower shares his research findings on the global surge in youth unhappiness, with rising anxiety, loneliness, and disconnection—especially among young women.

Join us to explore these questions at the heart of today’s labour challenges and possible collaborative actions and initiatives to address these issues so that youth can find decent work and have a brighter future.

Objective of the seminar: This seminar aims to explore the root causes of rising unhappiness and mental health challenges among young people in the world of work; assess the implications for labour market transitions and long-term well-being; and, identify potential policy responses and cross-sector strategies to promote youth engagement, resilience, and decent work opportunities.

AGENDA

Chair: Sangheon Lee, Director, ILO Employment Policy Department

Presenter: David Blanchflower, Bruce V. Rauner Professor of Economics at Dartmouth College in the United States - Presentation.

Discussant: Dorothea Schmidt-Klau. Chief, Employment, Labour Markets and Youth Branch, ILO Employment Policy Department.