Nearly all workers are struggling to cope with economic precarity and professional stress, but the youngest employees may be feeling the strain more than anyone. According to Cigna International Health’s 2023 survey of almost 12,000 workers globally, 91% of 18-to-24-year-olds report being stressed, compared to 84% on average. The same data shows unmanageable stress affects almost a quarter of Gen Z respondents (23%), and almost all (98%) are dealing with symptoms of burnout.
The instability, insecurity and relentless upheaval of recent years has left workers anxious. As layoffs proliferate and pay fails to keep pace with rising inflation, worries persist. Economic hardships are compounding workplace troubles: data from a 2023 report by HR-software company Workhuman shows the cost-of-living crisis is causing 84% of UK workers stress and anxiety. October 2022 data from McKinsey and Company indicates employed Gen Zers were more likely than other respondents (26% versus 20%) to report their pay did not enable a good quality of life.
Beyond large-scale stressors, experts say young workers struggle with interpersonal relationships. London-based generational researcher Eliza Filby notes: “There are still a lot of question marks around the etiquette of work friendships, office attire and professional boundaries.” She adds that for junior employees, “having to go into an office, socialise and be managed feels very alien… The social aspects of work remain intimidating.”
Overall, this combination of stressors has led to a poor work experience. Data shows Gen Z workers report more struggles than the general population with hostile work environments, mental- and physical-health issues, and the inability to share one’s full self at work. Filby believes Gen Z are experiencing a particular type of anxiety due to the extraordinary climate in which they entered the workplace, including finishing degrees in isolating virtual environments and transitioning into precarious economic conditions.
