Gen Z employees, aged 16 to 26, have reported more mental health issues, including stress, anxiety, and depression, over the past year compared to other age groups.
These findings come from a recent report, titled “Gen Z – Shaping the Future of UK Workplaces,” conducted by Fruitful Insights in collaboration with Legal & General Group Protection.
It found that around 77 per cent express a likelihood of leaving their current employer, with only 23 per cent indicating a commitment to staying.
Additionally, the report found that Gen Z rejects the idea of lifelong jobs. Meanwhile, their job satisfaction depends on feeling valued, employer commitment to wellbeing, confidence in the company’s values, and flexibility in their work arrangements.
The report highlights three key points: the vital role of employers in promoting Gen Z wellbeing and the consequences of neglect, the subjective nature of wellbeing necessitating an understanding of workforce needs, and the growing belief that ‘good work is beneficial for health,’ urging its inclusion in wellbeing initiatives for the working-age population.
Fruitful Insights chairman and co-founder Mike Tyler says: “The fact that 1 in 3 Gen Z employees say they’ve experienced mental health problems should be a big concern for people and business; with implications for Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI), Environment Social Governance (ESG) and, ultimately, performance.
“This finding could be related to life stage stressors and different expectations of life and work in comparison to older peers. And/or it could be symptomatic of Gen Z’s greater awareness and understanding of their own mental health and a greater willingness to reach out for help.
“Any which way, recruitment and retention is a big problem with this cohort but, at the same time, the value Gen Z place on cultural aspects represents a big opportunity that needs to be grasped. Business has a vital role to play in supporting the wellbeing of Gen Z; providing greater purpose and community to this group, relevant benefits and services, and communication that not only connects, but that also contributes to creating the conditions for a better wellbeing culture.”
Legal & General Group Protection governance director Vanessa Sallows says: “Gen Z are the true digital natives. But being always on, isn’t always good. There are indications in this report that the use of digital technology may be inadvertently leading to some less than healthy outcomes.
“Balance and choice across the spectrum of face-to-face to digital seems key; in terms of how support is accessed and how it’s communicated. Embrace social media but don’t assume that’s the only way Gen Z want to receive information. And don’t assume that information, on its own, leads to wellbeing.
“Group income protection insurers and intermediaries have an important part to play in all of this, using tools like Fruitful Insights and making full use of Legal & General’s in-house vocational clinical team, as well as our strategic communication toolkit.”