The pandemic and subsequent economic uncertainty have significantly increased the level of career stress among people, regardless of age. However, this has hit Generation Z—young professionals—especially hard. Recent studies have shown that about 58% of Zetas experience anxiety frequently. Among representatives of Generation X there are only a third of them, and among the so-called boomers – a quarter. Ridus.ru writes about this.
One reason for Gen Z’s increased anxiety is that their first work experience occurs during a period of change in attitudes toward work. Additionally, the rise in popularity of remote work has left many in this generation without on-the-job support and training. With possible job losses and the direct effects of inflation, this creates a sense of tension and uncertainty.
The survey showed that about half of workers aged 18-29 believe that work has a negative impact on mental health. It is noted that Generation Z also turned out to be the least engaged and the most burned out. To overcome a crisis situation, representatives of Generation Z are more likely to take sick leave than their older colleagues.
However, increased anxiety has a negative impact on work productivity, interaction with colleagues and managers. With Gen Z expected to make up a significant portion of the workforce by 2025, this could have devastating economic consequences.
Experts say the main reason for Gen Z’s anxiety is uncertainty. They are quite inexperienced in working relationships and feel insecure. Additionally, avoiding face-to-face meetings and feeling uncomfortable expressing themselves in work meetings only increases their anxiety.
Remote work helps you avoid some unpleasant situations, but it also deprives you of the opportunity to gain important skills. Fear of public speaking or uncertainty about answering the phone leads to avoidance of activities that cause fear and interferes with the development of creative thinking.
The solution to this problem lies partly on the shoulders of managers, who must help young employees adapt to the work environment.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
