"At Reassured, we offer Gen Z training for managers to bridge any misunderstandings caused by a multi-generational workforce."
There’s been a worrying rise in long-term mental health conditions amongst younger people. According to a survey published by PwC, nearly a quarter (22%) of Gen Z have experienced a long-term mental health condition – far higher than the average (8%) in the UK.
Meanwhile, Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show the number of people economically inactive due to long-term sickness rose to over 2.5mn in 2023, which is 400k higher than before the pandemic. Notably, 23% of those aged 16-34 years old said they had five or more health conditions, including depression & anxiety, that eventually triggered a long-term absence from employment.
READ MORE: ONS reports 23% of 16 to 34-year-olds say they have five or more health conditions in 2023
The number of people economically inactive in the UK has now risen to 9.4mn – 22% of the working population. PwC’s findings attribute this spike to several factors, including poor mental health.
In Reassured’s experience, anxiety, depression & loneliness are some of the most common reasons for Gen Z employees to request unplanned leave from the workplace. This could be due to the rising prevalence of social media, fostering comparisons, cyberbullying, and a distorted sense of reality. Potentially, ‘helicopter parenting’ has impacted this generation’s ability to develop resilience and cope with adversity. Likewise, what psychologists are calling the ‘comfort crisis’ - a lifestyle of convenience and avoidance of discomfort - might also be affecting Gen Z’s mental wellbeing.
On a global scale, the impact of the mental health crisis is worrying, since Gen Z will account for 27% of the global workforce by 2025. At Reassured, we have seen a 6% increase in the number of Gen Z employees, rising from 21% in 2023 to 27% this year. It goes without saying, we take the wellbeing of our people extremely seriously, especially since we operate in a high-stress environment.
So, how can organisations better support Gen Z employees’ mental health in the workplace?
- Prioritise mental health: Provide access to benefits such as therapy and/or wellbeing programmes. At Reassured we have mental health first aiders, wellbeing action plans, and an enhanced Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in place,
- Create an open culture to avoid stigmatising mental health: Encourage employees to speak openly about mental health and create a culture where discussing your wellbeing is accepted,
- Provide feedback: Regular feedback sessions will help employees understand what they’re doing well and where they can improve. It works both ways – Gen Z want to feel valued, included, and respected in the workplace,
- Offer good communication: It’s important to convey company values clearly and help younger employees understand what is expected of them.
At Reassured, we also offer Gen Z training to bridge any misunderstandings caused by a multi-generational workforce. This training is delivered face-to-face by our business psychologist and allows managers to learn from real-life workplace scenarios and ask questions.
Organisations should strive to create an environment where mental health is valued as a core asset. This includes commitment to policies & practices that improve mental health for staff and management alike.
