Better Workplace Mental Health Support is Needed for Millennials and Generation Z

A 2021 poll of almost 23,000 millennials and Generation Z respondents revealed valuable insight into their still-rising mental health and wellness struggles, including their attention to how their employers have responded. Here are some of the key findings. 

In General: 

41% of millennials and 46% of Gen Z respondents reported feeling stressed or anxious most or all of the time. The leading sources of this stress were attributed to concerns about long-term financial futures, welfare of their families, and job and career prospects. This was no surprise considering ⅔ of respondents reported having to re-evaluate financial goals during the pandemic and that they “often worry or get stressed” about their financial situations.  

In the workplace: 

About ⅓ of respondents reported taking time off work since the start of the pandemic due to stress or anxiety. Within these respondents, an alarming percentage (49% of millennials and 47% of Gen Z’s) reported giving their managers or supervisors a different explanation for their absence rather than being transparent about their mental health needs. Of the ⅔ who did not take any mental health days, 4 in 10 reported being stressed all of the time but continuing to work. 

Even more alarming was the overall perception of workplace support, as four in ten respondents disagreed with the statement, “My employer has taken actions to support my mental wellbeing during this time.” 

What this means for employers: 

Despite the relaxation of COVID restrictions and return to normal, stress and anxiety levels of millennials and Gen Z’s remain extremely high. Understanding the current wellness needs and struggles of millennial and Gen Z employees, who will continue to comprise more of the workforce, will be crucial to keeping a positive workplace atmosphere and company success. 

If you would like to learn more about Mindyra’s employee mental health solution, schedule a demo with our chief clinical officer at Connor.patros@mindyra.com.