Generation Z is increasingly focused on holistic wellbeing, calling for workplaces that prioritise mental, physical, and emotional health, according to the “Gen Z Employee Well-Being Handbook” by The Future Laboratory and Cigna Healthcare.
The global study found that many young individuals born between the middle of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2010s are struggling with burnout, stress at work, and a lack of management support but are demanding more flexibility, mental health support, and personalised benefits.
According to the report, 71 per cent of Gen Zers experience loneliness, and many of them struggle in unsustainable work conditions.
This shift is exemplified by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, who stepped down after citing fatigue and stating, “I cannot do the job again and again.” His departure, as well as New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s resignation, signals a growing movement against cultures that reward long hours and endurance at the expense of wellbeing.
The report stresses that global crises, including the pandemic and economic instability, have shaped Gen Z’s understanding that health cannot be separated from work.
According to Cigna, public figures like Klopp and Ardern are normalising the idea that prioritising mental health is essential, showing that stepping away when necessary is a valid choice.
Cigna Healthcare CEO global health benefits, international health Wendy Sherry says: “Gen Z is rejecting the traditional notion that long hours and constant availability are prerequisites for success – and what they expect from their employers. This presents a significant opportunity for forward-thinking employers to attract and retain top talent. By creating workplaces that prioritise well-being and offer flexible, supportive environments, employers can differentiate themselves and appeal to this increasingly influential generation.”