Stress in the Workplace: Addressing the Concerns of Gen Z & Millennials

Stress can sometimes be a good thing because it can motivate you and help you stay alert and productive. However, anything in excess is bad for you. Stress becomes harmful when it’s chronic, intense, or unmanaged, leading to negative physical, emotional, and behavioral consequences. Workplace stress, especially among the younger generations, is on the rise, and unfortunately, it’s not the good type.

The True State of Workplace Stress

Nearly all workers struggle with economic and professional stress, but young people may be feeling the strain more than anyone. A Deloitte survey found that up to 4 in 10 Gen Zers and Millennials feel stressed most of the time in the workplace.¹

The numbers are increasingly alarming. According to a Cigna International Health survey, 91% of 18 to 24-year-old Gen Zers report being stressed, compared to 84% of Millennials aged 25 to 34. Moreover, 23% of Gen Z respondents say their stress is unmanageable, and 98% are dealing with symptoms of burnout.²

Burnout and Stress: The Negative Impact on an Organization’s Bottom Line

Workplace stress has a price tag, much like the price tags on items at the mall, and most experts believe it is extremely costly. In the U.S., work-related stress costs businesses approximately $30 billion annually due to lost workdays.³

Stressed employees are likely unable to perform tasks efficiently, leading to lower output and higher error rates. While employees may be physically present at work, high-stress levels can make them absent-minded, greatly affecting their performance.

Some might even avoid work altogether by calling in sick. Although some sick days are from burnout, others occur because employees might be dealing with actual health problems related to toxic stress, such as anxiety, depression, and even heart issues like high blood pressure.

Identifying the Root Causes: Top 10 Workplace Stressors

These factors are key contributors to workplace stress and are the major challenges faced by Millennials and Gen Zs.

1. Low Work-Life Balance

The modern workplace, especially with more people working from home, has blurred the lines between work and personal time. Employees may often feel they must be available all the time, which can lead to burnout and long-term stress.

The pressure to stay connected and responsive, even after work hours, means they don’t have much time to relax and recover. This constant need to be online, along with high expectations at work, often makes them give up personal time and well-being to succeed in their careers.

2. Unreasonable Expectations and High Pressure to Perform

Millennials and Gen Zers want to succeed and may often feel pressured by what they see on social media. They set high standards for themselves because they are always seeing images of success. This makes them afraid of failing and pushes them to try to be perfect all the time.

This competitive environment, where they are always comparing their achievements to others, can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. The pressure to always do better than their peers and their own past achievements can lead to a never-ending cycle of stress and self-doubt.

3. Financial Stress

Financial stress is a big problem for Millennials and Gen Zers. Many started working with a lot of student loan debt. With the cost of living going up and wages not increasing much, it’s hard for them to feel financially stable.

This stress makes it difficult to plan for the future, like buying a home or starting a family, causing constant worry and stress. Trying to pay off debt while covering everyday expenses makes their mental health worse and makes financial planning a constant source of anxiety.

4. Misaligned Mental Health Awareness

Awareness of mental health issues makes Millennials and Gen Zers more willing to talk about mental health and get help. However, it also makes them hyperaware of their own struggles, which, along with lingering stigmas in some workplaces, can create internal conflict.

They might be afraid of being judged or facing career problems for addressing their mental health needs. This situation can make them feel isolated and stressed, knowing they need help but fearing what might happen if they ask for it.

5. Inconsistent Work Environment and Culture

Poor management, lack of recognition, overloading of tasks, and few chances for career growth create a negative workplace atmosphere. For Millennials and Gen Zers, who value meaningful work and a positive workplace, these problems can be especially discouraging. Toxic things like office politics and discrimination can make stress and dissatisfaction even worse, making it hard for them to feel engaged and valued in their jobs.

6. Lack of Autonomy Over Work

Micromanagement, strict hierarchies, and limited unique input can suppress the creativity and motivation of many young adults. Feeling undervalued and unable to contribute meaningfully to their work can cause significant stress and dissatisfaction. The lack of control over their tasks and decisions undermines their sense of purpose and fulfillment, impacting their overall job satisfaction and mental health.

Managing Stress in the Workplace: What Can You Improve?

Your employees are the lifeblood of the organization. When you take care of your team members, it positively contributes to the company’s growth. Whether you’re a manager, leader, or employer, here are steps you can take to combat workplace stress:

Build a Healthy Culture of Balance

Work-life balance is very important for mental health. Imagine a young professional juggling work deadlines with personal commitments, always feeling torn between the two. Flexible work hours can help, allowing employees to adjust their schedules to better suit their lifestyles.

For example, a parent might need to start work early to pick up their child from school. Remote work options are also useful, especially now when commuting can take up a lot of time. Encouraging employees to use their vacation days and take breaks helps them come back refreshed and more productive. These steps show that the company values its employees as people, not just workers.

Make the Workplace a Safe Place

A positive workplace is about more than just nice office decor or casual Fridays. It’s about making employees feel valued and supported. Imagine how different it feels when an employee’s hard work is praised publicly instead of being ignored. Supportive leadership is important; managers should be friendly, understanding, and quick to help with team concerns.

A culture of inclusion and respect ensures everyone, no matter their background, feels they belong. When employees feel respected and recognized, their stress goes down, and job satisfaction goes up.

Provide Mental Health Support

Mental health support is not just a benefit; it’s a necessity. Many young people struggle silently with stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues. Offering access to counseling services gives them a lifeline. Imagine an employee dealing with overwhelming stress—having someone to talk to can make all the difference.

Workshops on stress management, resilience, and mindfulness can provide practical tools to help employees cope with daily pressures. These initiatives send a clear message: it’s okay to seek help, and the company cares about your well-being.

Encourage Physical Fitness

Physical health directly affects mental health. You can support this by offering gym memberships or organizing fitness programs. Exercise is a proven stress reducer; it helps clear the mind and boosts mood. Ergonomically designed workstations can also help prevent physical strain, reducing discomfort and long-term health issues. These measures help employees maintain their health, making them more resilient to stress.

Promote an Office Culture of Open Communication

Regular check-ins between employees and managers can identify stressors early and address them before they escalate. Imagine the relief an employee feels when they know their concerns will be heard and acted upon.

Anonymous feedback channels ensure that even those hesitant to speak up have a voice. Transparent communication about company goals, changes, and expectations reduces uncertainty, which is a significant source of stress. When employees feel informed and heard, they are more engaged and less anxious.

Manage Workload and Expectations

Set realistic and achievable goals so employees aren’t overwhelmed. Imagine the difference in stress levels between an employee with a manageable to-do list and one buried under too much work. Encouraging managers to delegate tasks properly ensures work is evenly spread out. This can help prevent burnout and create a more sustainable environment where employees can do their best without feeling overwhelmed.

Foster Social Connections

Team-building activities help colleagues bond, creating a sense of friendship and support. Regular social events, like team lunches or after-work gatherings, build community and make the workplace more enjoyable.

Imagine the comfort an employee feels knowing they have colleagues to turn to during tough times. Support networks or peer groups give employees a space to share experiences and help each other. These social interactions make the workplace feel like a community, not just a job.

Address Job Insecurity

Job insecurity can be a huge concern for many young adults. However, clear communication about job stability and company performance can ease fears about layoffs or downsizing. Competitive pay and benefits show employees they are valued and reduce financial stress. Career counseling and support for those changing roles within the company provide a safety net, reducing anxiety about job changes.

LET HUGHES RESOURCES HELP YOU BUILD A GREAT TEAM

While you focus on strategies to reduce workplace stress, let Hughes Resources help you with hiring. Searching for and onboarding new hires isn’t an easy task and can be challenging in many ways.

We can reduce the stress on your HR team by finding the perfect fit for your open positions. Fill out this short form to get in touch with us today, and we can discuss your hiring needs.

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