Mental health is a topic that hits close to home for many of us.
In an era marked by unprecedented technological advancements and societal changes, the workforce has witnessed a significant shift in attitudes towards mental health. Well, mostly our very own Generation Z.
Alarming statistics suggest that Gen Z employees miss an average of one day of work per week due to mental health concerns. This phenomenon raises crucial questions about the evolving nature of work environments and the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support in the workplace.
The silent struggle of the younger workforce
Gen Z, the generation that brought memes to life and champions social justice causes, is silently dealing with some serious stuff. The pressure of academic success mixed with the unpredictability of life has left many of our Gen Z pals battling anxiety, depression, and burnout.
Employee benefits have traditionally included 401K plans, health and life insurance, paid time off, and so forth. Later, the “cool companies” included extra benefits like flextime, ping pong tables in the break rooms, and on-site daycare.
Right now, businesses need to do more than just pay top dollar to draw in and keep Gen Z employees. In a recent survey according to a recent TalentLMS and BambooHR survey, almost 80% of Gen Z employees expressed a desire for mental health days. Given that 44% of respondents said that working remotely has made them feel “lonely and disconnected,” the workplace advantage may help young professionals avoid burning out. A decade ago, this idea might not have even crossed the minds of HR managers.
Mental health days might also help businesses increase employee retention since one of the main reasons Gen Zers would contemplate quitting their jobs is burnout or a lack of work-life balance.
The stigma surrounding mental health
Although we’ve made great progress in tearing down the barriers surrounding conversations about mental health, more needs to be done. Given their reputation for being honest about their emotions, Gen Z may encounter disapproval from traditionalists who view mental health issues as a sign of weakness. We have to break this old-fashioned stigma so that people can seek care and rest.
According to the American Psychological Association’s “Stress in America: Generation Z” research from October 2018, “Gen Z is significantly more likely to report their mental health as fair or poor, with 27% saying this is the case.”
Fortunately, the survey also indicates that stigmas related to talking about mental health issues and getting help have decreased. “Overall, the younger generations are significantly more likely to receive or have received treatment or therapy from a psychologist or other mental health professional, with more than one-third of both Gen Z (37%) and Millennials (35%) reporting they have received such help,” the study says.
In addition to “mental health days,” the poll reveals that over 50% of participants desire to obtain mental health education. Survey participants said that “burnout/lack of work-life balance” was the second most common reason for Gen Zers to abandon their jobs, behind only “unsatisfactory salary.”This finding aligns with the desire for mental health days, once again.
Mental health deep dive based on the 2023 Gen Z and Millennial survey
Many people have reevaluated the importance of work in their lives over the past three years, which has led to a persistent drive for greater balanced work/life schedules and more adaptable working methods.
Even though a lot of companies have reopened, businesses are still allowing hybrid work in an attempt to give employees the degree of flexibility that many people now demand. The recent pandemic also raised awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, which led to several companies offering their staff members more help.
However these encouraging developments come against a backdrop of growing consciousness of social and professional inequality, the effects of climate change, fresh geopolitical unrest, and economic worries—all of which are making people more stressed and anxious.
The alarmingly high levels of stress and anxiety observed in prior years virtually remain unchanged in 2023, with nearly half of forty-six per cent of Gen Zs and forty-nine per cent of millennials saying they experience stress or anxiety most of the time.
In both groups, women report higher levels of stress and anxiety than males (54% versus 37% in Gen Z and 43% versus 35% in millennials). This tendency appears to be continuing and among Gen Z, this trend is becoming more noticeable, as the gender gap widens from an 11 to a 17-point disparity for the preceding three years. On the other hand, since 2020, the gender disparity in millennial stress levels has largely not changed.
The importance of mental health support
Employers need to put a high priority on building a welcoming and friendly work environment to solve the mental health epidemic among Generation Z workers. This entails de-stigmatizing conversations about mental health, making counselling services accessible, and encouraging a work-life balance.
A better workplace culture can be achieved by putting in place flexible work schedules, providing mental health days, and planning wellness initiatives. Furthermore, teaching staff members the value of stress management and self-care might encourage them to put their mental health first.
Transforming understanding into positive change
Contemporary leaders must acknowledge the necessity of tackling the distinct mental health issues facing Generation Z. This generation, shaped by world crises and economic uncertainty, has the potential to thrive or fail depending on the environment you create. By promoting inclusiveness, cultivating compassionate leadership, and creating supporting ecosystems, you can ignite work environments where Generation Z flourishes holistically.
Use these principles to help your team come up with specific policies, such as more inclusive work practices, mental health education, or flexible work schedules. There will be a variety of benefits. What if every member of the Gen Z workforce had the energy and confidence to bring their best self to work? The future will be shaped by these digital natives.
The effect they have tomorrow is determined by how you support their well-being today. It is the responsibility of leaders like you to establish inclusive, secure spaces where Gen Z members can reach their full potential. Change is needed, now more than ever.