Gen Z Faces Intense Workplace Anxiety: A Consequence of Remote Work and Uncertainty
The tumultuous changes in the world of work, along with the introduction of remote work and the uncertainties brought about by recent events, have had a significant impact on workers' mental health across generations. However, according to Business Insider, Generation Z, who are just starting their career journeys, appears to be struggling with increased workplace anxiety.
The rise of remote work has altered the traditional onboarding process for Gen Z, leaving them to navigate the professional world mainly independently. The lack of in-office experiences and on-the-job coaching, coupled with layoffs and economic instability, has contributed to feelings of stress and anxiety among Gen Z workers. According to Gallup's 2022 workplace survey, 52% of workers in the US and Canada reported feeling stressed at work daily, reaching a record high.
Gen Z, in particular, is facing challenges in the workplace, with 58% reporting frequent or constant anxiety in a 2022 survey by the meditation app Calm. This surpasses the reported anxiety levels of Gen X (one-third) and baby boomers (one-quarter). A Deloitte survey echoes these findings, with nearly half of Gen Zers stating they feel anxious and stressed almost all the time, compared to 39% of millennials.
The remote work environment has intensified the impact of workplace anxiety on Gen Z. The constant stream of digital notifications, challenges in interpreting tone in online communication, and the absence of in-person interactions have contributed to heightened stress levels. Remote work has made it difficult for Gen Z workers to disconnect mentally from work, leading to a sense of intensity in their daily lives.
Gen Z's experience of workplace anxiety has consequences for their professional development. The lack of engagement and increased burnout observed in Gen Z workers, as highlighted in Gallup surveys, raises concerns about their ability to participate effectively in the workforce. Anxiety can hinder risk-taking, innovation, and psychological safety within teams.
Managers are grappling with the challenge of addressing the workplace anxiety of Gen Z employees. The open expression of feelings, while helpful in certain instances, can lead to oversharing and hinder professional development. Managers are finding it challenging to strike a balance between providing support for workplace-related anxieties and maintaining a focus on job-related matters.
The core of Gen Z's workplace anxiety is linked to uncertainty. Growing up in a digital age with instant access to information has left Gen Z less experienced in dealing with uncertainty. The shift to remote work and the resulting lack of on-the-job coaching have contributed to the ambiguity skills gap, affecting their ability to handle uncertain tasks and navigate social interactions.
To address this challenge, experts emphasise the importance of managers providing ongoing coaching and feedback to equip Gen Z workers with the skills to handle uncertainty, adapt to changes, and manage their communication styles effectively. Closing the ambiguity skills gap is crucial for Gen Z's professional development and success in the workforce.
As Gen Z is poised to represent a significant portion of the workforce in the coming years, addressing their workplace anxiety is vital not only for economic reasons but also for this generation's well-being and societal impact. Employers and managers are crucial in supporting Gen Z employees and fostering a work environment that promotes mental health and resilience.