SUPPORTING GEN Z’S MENTAL HEALTH IN THE WORKPLACE

Gen­er­a­tion Zs — indi­vid­u­als born between 1997 and 2012 — are grow­ing up in an age of increased stress and anx­i­ety. From the pandemic to the job market, everything is relatively much more volatile for this generation and constant peek into other people's life on social media adds to their feelings of inadequacy and pressure to measure up to unrealistic standards.

This generation requires a supportive environment to thrive professionally and personally. Understanding their needs and providing the right resources can help them become more engaged and productive.

Understanding Gen Z's Unique Challenges

• Pandemic and Economic Volatility

  The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on Gen Zs, disrupting their education, social lives, and early career experiences. The uncertainty of the job market adds another layer of stress, as they face higher unemployment rates and fierce competition for entry-level positions. Layoffs have also become more common and as a result, they are always on edge even after they have landed a job.

• Social Media Pressure

  Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up with social media as a central part of their lives. While it offers opportunities for connection, it also creates pressure to project a perfect life. This constant comparison can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.

• Supporting Gen Z's Mental Health in the Workplace

  One good thing about supporting Gen Z's mental health in the workplace is that they are a lot more vocal about their mental health challenges and seeking help. They value authenticity, work-life balance, and meaningful connections in the workplace. So employers should understand and address their mental health needs to foster a positive work culture and drive productivity.

Here are some key strategies to support Gen Z's mental health in the workplace:

1. Encourage open communication: 

While they are ready to be vocal, they still need a safe space to discuss their mental health concerns without fear of judgment. Encouraging managers to check in regularly with their team members and providing resources for mental health support can be a great first step towards creating a safe space.

Promoting casual conversations about mental health and normalising talking about challenges could be a great step in this direction. 

 

2. Promote work-life balance: 

Working long hours could lead to stress, anxiety and depression, and even suicidal ideation among young employees. And a miserable workforce is not a productive workforce. Gen Zs are well aware of this and they prefer jobs that offer flexible work arrangements and the option to disconnect from work after hours. 

As Gen Zs understand the need to have a life outside of work, organisations can support them by offering flexibility and reasonable time off from work. 

 

3. Provide mental health resources: 

Having accessible mental health resources like counselling services, mindfulness workshops and stress management support can go a long way in supporting Gen Z's mental health. Employee Wellbeing and Assistance Programs (EWAP) are a great way to support employees. It is important for organisations to not only have EWAP programs in place but to also encourage them to use these confidential services without fear of judgement. 

 

4. Foster a supportive culture: 

Competition and hard-to-please management are not a good way of motivating employees. Instead, celebrating achievements, providing positive feedback, and recognising the efforts of employees go a long way. Gen Zs need a culture of empathy, kindness, and support where they feel valued and appreciated to thrive.

 

5. Lead by example: 

It's easier for Gen Z employees to talk about their mental health and seek support if they see their leaders doing that too. Showing vulnerability and sharing struggles demonstrates that it's okay to prioritise self-care. By modelling healthy behaviours, leaders can inspire their team to do the same.

By implementing these strategies, organisations can create a mentally healthy workplace that supports the well-being of Gen Z employees and promotes a positive work environment for all.

Author: Nivetha Kannan

Nivetha writes blogs on mental health and wellbeing topics for Silver Oak Health. She is a professional content writer and is passionate about the field of psychology & personal development. She writes impactful content that brings positive changes in people. Her mantra for life is to ‘be curious, and not judgemental’.