Generation Z (Gen Z) is mislabeled as too sensitive, outspoken, or emotional. In reality, they face challenges unique to their demographic.

Unlike past generations who were taught to “tough it out”, this younger demographic faces social and economic pressures that contribute to high rates of burnout, depression, and anxiety—over 42% of Gen Z actually struggle with mental health challenges.

Yet, despite being the “most anxious generation in history,” they’re most willing to speak up about wellness and push for change, especially in the workplace.

While mental health challenges are more prominent among Gen Z, employers can learn from their proactive approach to well-being, then use these insights to build supportive organizations.

We’ll tackle this subject in detail so that, by the end, you’ll understand:

  • Who Gen Z is
  • Their deep ties to mental health
  • Their influence on workplace culture
  • Key takeaways companies can practice

Who exactly is Gen Z?

Gen Z, those between 1997 and 2012, is the first generation to grow up fully immersed in technology—think of the internet, smartphones, social media, and various online platforms.

Since they’re hyperconnected globally, they’re extremely aware of issues that make life at work difficult. As a result, they view mental wellness as non-negotiable and expect strong support.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), for example, reports how 61% of Gen Z would consider leaving their job if another employer offered better mental health benefits.

By 2030, this demographic will make up 30% of the global workforce, and their growing presence is why companies must transform their approach to employee well-being.

Why Gen Z is more vulnerable to mental health struggles

Nurturing a healthy environment that engages then retains Gen Z requires understanding why they’re susceptible to mental health issues. It isn’t because they’re “more fragile”; it’s an effect of various stressors that previous generations haven’t encountered.

Social media and technology

Social platforms are Gen Z’s means of connection and a part of their identity. Their regular exposure, however, fuels issues such as:

  • Constant comparison: Other people’s highlights compel younger generations to weigh their lifestyles against others’.
  • Unrealistic standards: This pushes Gen Z to think that excellent lives are marked by extravagance.
  • Fear of missing out (FOMO): These variables leave this demographic with the belief that they’re falling behind.
  • Harassment and cyberbullying: Social media can be unforgiving, as one’s online footprint leaves them open to others’ unfiltered judgment.

Combined, these factors add unnecessary stress. Studies even show how immersing yourself in social platforms amplifies the risks of anxiety and depression.

Academic and career pressures

Gen Z strongly desires to succeed academically and professionally due to rising tuition and unstable job markets while experiencing intense competition—mentally taxing considerations.

Laura Ascione’s 2022 report even found 86% of Gen Z citing academic anxiety as a major stressor.

Inaccessible mental health care

Although Gen Z is more than willing to seek professional help for mental health issues, they’re unable to receive intervention due to barriers like:

  • High costs
  • Long wait times for publicly funded services
  • Lack of youth-competent clinicians

This leaves ailments untreated, so they look to employers as their point of access.  

Economic challenges

Gen Z’s young adulthood is marked by uncertainties such as:

  • Rising costs of living
  • Unaffordable housing
  • Stagnant wages
  • Job instability
  • Debt

The financial insecurity these instill is strongly tied to mental health symptoms and a lower capacity to recover from stress.

Global issues

Having access to endless information their whole lives, Gen Z has always been exposed to global issues like war, climate change, social injustice, and political instability. They’ve even lived through the COVID-19 health crisis.

This regular exposure to worldwide threats instills a sense of anticipatory anxiety, where Gen Z always worries about the future, adding to their distress and feeling of powerlessness.

Why Gen Z talks about mental health more than anyone else

Although the younger generation is vulnerable to mental health struggles, they’re always keen to discuss it and seek assistance. Their openness can be attributed to these factors:

High awareness

Being consistently present on online platforms has its drawbacks, but it also exposes Gen Z to mental health discourse early, whether through peers, influencers, or notable professionals.

Since digital natives grew up with the internet and social media, they’ve always had access to information about self-care, depression, anxiety, and therapy.

Mental health treatment is normalized

Younger professionals no longer frown upon needing mental health support. They see strength in vulnerability and aren’t ashamed to reach out for assistance. They even treat therapy and counseling the way previous generations treated regular doctor appointments.

A 2019 American Psychological Association survey, for instance, found 37% of Gen Z saying they’d received treatment from a mental health professional, outpacing:

  • Millennials: 35%
  • Generation X (Gen X): 26%
  • Baby Boomers: 22%
  • Older adults: 15%

Social media reduces the stigma

While social media is tied to mental illnesses, it also presents benefits:

Cultivates communities and support networks

Digital natives turn to online platforms and wellness apps to discuss their personal experiences, find validation from peers, and learn constructive coping strategies. These spaces even act as an entry point for those still uncomfortable with traditional therapy or in-person support groups.

Makes it a part of everyday dialogue

Social media normalizes conversations around mental health, taking them beyond online channels. It has made Gen Z more comfortable with sharing their feelings and discussing anxiety or depression in school and at home.

Gen Z’s influence on workplace mental health culture

Currently, attitudes around mental health are being reshaped meaningfully by Gen Z’s growing workforce presence. We’ll tackle their impact and why it matters for employers.

Drives changes in human resources (HR) and benefits

Gen Z’s expectations have compelled organizations to make mental wellness a pillar of the employee experience. That’s because over 60% of this demographic rank mental health support as their top employer-provided benefit.

More and more, companies are expanding their offering and including:

  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Wellness stipends
  • Mental health days
  • Employee assistance programs (EAP)

Some even make it a major selling point for their recruitment efforts.

ElevateMinds, meanwhile, strengthens companies’ mental health systems through accessible, comprehensive EAPs. Our programs nurture entire individuals to address elements that support their well-being:

  • Anxiety and stress management: This equips employees to identify stress triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
  • Psychological safety: This lets organizations establish cultures where teams freely and fearlessly express themselves—an aspect that encourages openness and collaboration.
  • Emotion regulation: This develops skills that help one recognize and manage their emotions.
  • Mental health consultations: This gives your workforce access to licensed professionals that assess their concerns and recommend appropriate courses of action.

Normalizes mental health conversations at work

Gen Z’s openness is leading a shift toward open discussions of workplace stress and burnout. What was once stigmatized and kept private is now becoming a key component of employee well-being.

In turn, this is helping leaders pinpoint and address underlying issues before they escalate into crisis or turnover.

Creates multi-generational impact

According to SHRM, 35% of workers say their job harms their mental health. Gen Z’s proactive role in breaking down barriers surrounding mental health conversations, however, benefits the broader workplace.

As topics like anxiety and depression become normal, previous generations—Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers—are given the space to acknowledge their limits and seek help. This encourages better support among varying employee demographics.

Lessons employers can take from Gen Z

Gen Z’s push for mental wellness provides a starting point for healthier, more adaptive workplaces. To truly build one, organizations must take keep these key takeaways in mind:

Encourage open communication

Gen Z appreciates transparency and authenticity. Give them platforms to freely share their stresses, boundaries, and emotions. Regular check-ins or one-on-one and group meetings, for instance, build trust and positive relationships.

Train leadership

Managers who value their subordinates’ mental health signal psychological safety. Since they strongly influence workplace culture, train them in emotional intelligence (EI). This equips them to listen and appropriately respond to their Gen Z subordinates’ concerns.

Emovation’s EI programs can augment your efforts, as it teaches leaders how to properly navigate emotions and be mindful of those around them.

Normalize self-care

Gen Z views rest as an essential, so encourage workers to take breaks, mental health days, and offer hybrid and remote options to sustain long-term wellness and productivity.

Research shows that employee-oriented work arrangements significantly lessen burnout, depressive symptoms, and emotional exhaustion.

Provide access to treatment

Gen Z is more willing to seek therapy when needed, but hesitate due to time and cost concerns, as well as the availability of competent clinicians.

Since resources are inaccessible outside work, employers become the de-facto access point for treatment. So, provide benefits such as EAPs and mental health insurance coverage, then deliver with the speed, clarity, and accessibility that digital natives desire.

Value peer and community support

Younger professionals don’t just look to therapists and wellness apps for assistance, but also their peers, colleagues, and community.

Establishing an environment where everyone feels comfortable to talk about their mental struggles at work encourages early intervention. For instance, team-based wellness initiatives such as peer circles, buddy systems, and check-in groups can form strong support systems.

Push for systemic change

In reality, Gen Z isn’t demanding perks, but rather healthier workplaces. For example, organizations that leave toxic practices unchecked—politics, unbearable workloads, and diversity gaps—instantly become unattractive.

When well-being isn’t embedded into policy, these company facets also suffer:

So, integrate mental health into your strategy. Consider it when designing roles, performance evaluations, leadership development programs, organizational practices, and the like. This allows you to attract and retain Gen Z talent.

Multi-generational impact

When employers adopt the younger demographic’s views on mental health, everyone benefits—from new hires to senior leaders.

The cultural shift may be propelled by Gen Z, but previous generations who were once expected to power through their struggles can now show vulnerability, acknowledge their challenges, and ask for assistance.

Final thoughts: Gen Z’s push for workplace mental wellness benefits entire organizations

Although Gen Z enters companies with high rates of stress, depression, and anxiety, they also bring a healthier and more courageous approach to mental health.

To them, thriving at work isn’t about silent endurance, but rather awareness, openness, and systemic improvements.

Learning from Gen Z, meanwhile, presents employers the opportunity to cultivate supportive, resilient, and people-centric environments.

If you’re looking to establish a healthy workplace that engages and retains personnel across every generation, get in touch. We’ll personally guide you through our mental health programs.