What Roles Are GenZ Playing In The Conversations About Mental Health?

Last updated: 2024/10/11 at 7:04 AM

Contents

Gen Z and millennials’ realistic approach to life and work is reshaping the workforce’s and the world’s future.How Are GenZ’s Open To Mental Health Conversations At Workplaces?Mental Health For Gen Z How Can Companies Benefit By Keeping GenZ’s Happy?

Gen Z and millennials’ realistic approach to life and work is reshaping the workforce’s and the world’s future.

What Roles Are GenZ Playing In The Conversations About Mental Health?

World Mental Health Day 2024: Gen Z and Millenials are the fastest-growing cohorts in the workforce today. They comprise about 38% of the workforce today and are expected to rise to 58% by 2030. Technological advances have significantly shaped Gen Z’s values, perceptions, and lifestyle preferences. Exposure to diverse people and perspectives challenges traditional societal norms and constraints related to caste, gender, race, and religion, making them more open-minded and less conventional.

How Are GenZ’s Open To Mental Health Conversations At Workplaces?

Gen Zers are equally exposed to public comments: criticism and much more can take a toll on their mental health. Almost 9 in 10 GenZers say work-life balance is essential at work. With access to numerous e-learning courses and educational apps, Gen Z prefers flexible, self-paced learning. They are highly engaged in global issues and value diversity, inclusion, and representation, expecting these principles to be reflected in the workplace. A Virgin Pulse survey found that 85% of companies believe wellness programs boost engagement.

Mental Health For Gen Z

Research states that 68% of adults in the same age group know little or almost nothing about depression. Studies also concluded that 65% of GenZ respondents report being aware of mental health issues.

Greater Mental Health Advocacy: Nearly 80% of young people believe mental health should be prioritized at the same level as physical health. This sentiment has grown among Gen Z with widespread campaigns. In the Indian workplace, Gen Z employees are pushing organizations to adopt mental health initiatives. A LinkedIn Workforce Confidence survey revealed that 76% of Indian Gen Z employees prioritize workplaces offering mental health support, leading to an open dialogue and reduced stigma.
Increased Awareness Through Education and Digital Platforms: According to a LiveMint report, 62% of Gen Z in India seek mental health support through digital platforms and online therapy, reducing stigma by normalizing conversations around mental health.
Maximum Mental Health Literacy: For Gen Z, who entered the workforce remotely during the pandemic, interpersonal skills like negotiating, networking, and speaking confidently in front of crowds are proving challenging.

How Can Companies Benefit By Keeping GenZ’s Happy?

Emphasizing mental health and wellness can encourage better performance.

“This urgency in addressing mental health literacy is crucial for the workforce’s well-being. Gen Z and millennials’ realistic approach to life and work, which focuses on work-life balance and mental health, coupled with a strong emphasis on individualism and values-driven decision-making, is reshaping the workforce’s and the world’s future”. – Dr Jini. M. Gopinath.