Gen Z workers are floundering in the workplace while their boomer colleagues thrive, a new report from global employment technology platform, Employment Hero shows.
The Wellbeing at Work study of over 1,000 Gen Z to Boomer-aged full time employees from across the UK showed young people are not adapting to the workplace well.
Almost three-quarters (72%) of Gen Z workers said they had experienced burnout at work in the last three months, compared to just 44% of boomers.
The stress from their workplace was unrelenting, with 23% saying they were stressed every day and 44% feeling stressed a few days of the week. Just 6% of Boomers felt stressed every day.
These younger workers were the least likely to say they were happy with their mental health (41%) compared to 63% of boomers. They were also the most likely to say their main source of stress was financial (42%).
Gen Z workers were looking for help and understanding – not a cushy job. Indeed, they were the least likely to suggest a ‘less demanding workload’ as a fix for their workplace, with just 7% citing it. Boomers were twice as likely to suggest this option (15%).
Kevin Fitzgerald, UK MD of Employment Hero said: “This generational chasm must not be ignored or dismissed as the result of an ‘entitled generation’. These young workers will be running the entire economy before long, and we desperately need them to succeed in the workplace, not drown in it.
“Addressing this isn’t as simple as offering a few pizza days every month. Managers need to sit down with their younger employees and really understand the demands being placed upon them, and make sure they have the skills to take them on.
“Burnout shouldn’t be seen as a fact of life. We know from our own experience at Employment Hero that emphasising flexibility in the workplace is crucial to keeping people happy and engaged. This isn’t about giving the young an easy ride – the data shows they are the least likely to want less work – it’s about giving them the setting they need to thrive.”
Kimi Powell, Director of Clinical Services at employee wellbeing platform, Sonder, said: “Burnout isn’t inherent to demanding work, it’s a consequence of prolonged, unmanaged stress. While a healthy level of stress can be motivating, chronic activation of our fight or flight response deplete emotional and physical resources. Recognising this shift, from helpful stress to debilitating burnout is crucial for both individuals and organisations.”