Mental Health and Work: Why Gen Z is Struggling to Cope

Young workers are grappling with vital mental health challenges, leading to increased truancy, burnout and a general reluctance to join the workforce. According to a recent report by Gallup, only 34% of global workers describe themselves as “thriving.” For employees under 35, this figure drops to 31% marking a salient decline from the previous year.

The Mental Health Decline Among Young Workers

The chief scientist of workplace and well-being at Gallup, Jim Harter, attributes this dip in mental health to the psychological impacts of economic downturns and the COVID- 19 pandemic. The 2020 lockdowns resulted in prolonged social isolation during crucial developmental years, aggravating mental health issues. Also, the ubiquitous use of technology has contributed to chronic loneliness among younger individuals.

   “I think the distance between people is greater than it ever has been before,” Jim notes. “When people become more distant physically, you become more mentally distant. That’s what’s happened with younger workers.” 

The Disconnect Between Managers and Young Employees

One of the crucial issues lies in the relationship between young workers and their managers. Many managers fail to understand the unique needs and motivations of Gen Z and millennial employees, often categorizing them as difficult to work with. The distance and disconnect can lead to a toxic workplace culture, further worsening a young worker’s mental health.

     They are coming to work wanting to build an identity, be inspired, make a difference,” Harter explains. “And they have got a lousy boss that is just appraising all the time, or worse, ignoring them. That leads to the condition we call ‘actively disengaged.’ Those people have the worst wellbeing.”

The Consequences of Ignoring Mental Health

When mental health issues are left unaddressed , they can heighten into significant workplace problems. Millions of individuals are kept out of the labor force, turnover rates soar and burnout becomes widespread. For young workers, the feeling of loneliness and disengagement can be particularly correct, with 22% reporting feelings of loneliness compared to 20% of global staffers overall.

Solutions for Better Workplace Wellbeing

To nurture positive well being among young minds, Jim stresses the importance of effective leadership. Managers who engage in regular one on one meetings, provide meaningful feedback and encourage collaborative team environments can definitely improve their employee’s mental health.

   “Part of getting work right is reducing misery,”  Harter says. “Get rid of the terrible managers and make sure you increase the number of great managers over time, so people look forward to being there. Feeling that somebody cares about me at work, that I can do what I do best, can reduce loneliness.”

    By implementing these practices, organizations can inspire their employees, boost productivity, enhance retention rates and ultimately create a more positive and productive workplace.

The hardships of Gen Z in the workplace underscore the crucial need for improved mental health support and understanding. As we overcome these challenges, the role of empathetic and effective leadership becomes more critical in ensuring the well being and productivity of the next generation.