In a surprising turn of wellness trends worldwide, Gen Z calls more sick leaves than 20 years Gen X. This is not just the flu; rather, it is a consequence of a growing mental health crisis. According to the research done by the Resolution Foundation (RF), a think tank, growing mental concerns are likely to impact Gen Z’s career prospects substantially.
The same report further mentioned that more than 33% of young individuals between 18-24 suffer from CMD (Common Mental Disorder) like depression, bipolar and anxiety. Moreover, this mental health crisis is turbocharged among women. As compared to a quarter of men, two out of five women are likely to report they are suffering from CMD.
Further, a study from McKinsey states that Gen Z people are 26% more likely to claim that their salary cannot afford them a quality life. And 77% of employed Gen Z were looking for a new job, which is almost double that of respondents of different generations.
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Trend Impacting Mental Health Crisis
This trend is largely influenced by factors unique to Gen Z’s environment, such as the social media boom. Unlike Gen X, who grew up without the internet and social media, Gen Z has been raised in an era where social media plays a central role in daily life. This constant connectivity can amplify feelings of inadequacy, stress, and social comparison, particularly among young women who report higher levels of mental health challenges linked to social media use.
Moreover, events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and political instability have shaped Gen Z’s outlook on the future. Compared to Gen X, who experienced relatively stable periods during their formative years, Gen Z has witnessed and lived through crises that directly impact their mental health.
Cost Of Work Schisms
While there are many theories to support the argument on the growing concerns of mental health, there is little research to shed light on the impact of poor mental health in workplaces. For instance, RF claims that people living with mental difficulties are more likely to be working in underpaid jobs. Moreover, according to Vitality, Health Insurers Gen X and millennials are missing one of work every week due to poor mental health. According to the company, this costs the economy around $176 billion annually.
Also, according to research by the London School of Economics, more than 33% of Gen Z are reporting themselves as unproductive. The researcher concluded that the communication gap between young and old managers is the driving factor for low productivity.
Gen Z Women Most Affected
Research from the Resolution Foundation (RF) recently highlighted a significant shift: young women are now 1.6 times more likely than young men to take time off work due to health issues. This finding marks a reversal from the trend of the 2010s, where young men were more likely to take sick leave. The shift is largely attributed to a marked increase in health concerns among young women, particularly over the last few years.
Gen Z women consistently show the highest rates of mental health challenges among age groups. Psychologist Dr. Jean Twenge explained in an interview with Fortune that increased smartphone usage aligns with decreased mental well-being, particularly affecting younger generations.
Mental health concerns peak among older teenage girls. For instance, nearly one-third of females aged 17–19 are likely dealing with a mental health condition, according to RF data.
To address this issue, RF advocates for industries employing significant numbers of young people to lead initiatives that promote “mental-health aware” management. By equipping managers with the right awareness and skills, workplaces can better support and retain future leaders.
Building A Resilient Workforce
As Gen Z becomes a dominant force in the workforce, organizations have a unique opportunity to reshape how mental health is understood and supported at work. Proactively addressing Gen Z’s mental health challenges can drive improved attendance, higher engagement, loyalty, and productivity. Businesses that actively support mental health and implement systems that empower Gen Z to maintain work-life balance will set the standard for a healthier, more sustainable workforce. By investing in this support, companies can help ensure that Gen Z thrives, contributing to a vibrant, inclusive, and productive future for workplaces everywhere.
