Session 17

Working and living in a new normality

A spotlight on young professionals’ mental health during COVID-19

Organised by Young Forum Gastein

COVID-19 and associated containment measures such as lockdowns have impacted people’s lives, including their mental and social well-being, in numerous ways and to varying degrees. In this session, we will explore how young professionals have coped with the increased uncertainties in their working life, ranging from the need to completely rethink daily professional routines to actually losing their job.

Currently, the exact dimensions of the cost to mental health incurred by the pandemic can only be estimated - and the worst may be yet to come. It is therefore of utmost importance to discuss how we can support a whole generation in coping with mounting insecurities, especially at a time when social interactions must be reduced or reconsidered. How can we rethink work-life balance in a wholesome way, especially for young professionals at the beginning of their careers, and what good practice models have emerged from the side of employers in supporting their workforce through the crisis?

This interactive session will build on a panel discussion and the active engagement of participants, as well as spotlight young voices who have grappled with mental health issues during the COVID-19 crisis.

Organisers