Gen Z’s (born between January 1995 and December 2003) approach to work is rewriting the rules of the modern workplace, bringing a fresh perspective and new expectations to the table.
However, this shift isn’t all smooth sailing. As younger employees prioritise mental health and job satisfaction, many are finding themselves navigating choppy waters, struggling to handle the stress that comes with their roles.
Gen Z’s need to grow a thick skin to succeed in the workplace
Here’s a breakdown of the key issues and insights related to their work stress and burnout:
The high stress levels
Generation Z is feeling the work strain more than a tight pair of jeans. According to a recent report from Utusan Malaysia, over 60% of Gen Z workers are feeling overwhelmed by job stress.
This stress is not just causing burnout but also leading to frequent job changes, which is creating a bit of a staffing conundrum for various industries. It’s a real case of “too many cooks spoil the broth” when it comes to keeping positions filled.
Resilience issues
Psychologist Prof Datin Dr. Mariani Md Nor says the secret sauce to handling burnout is resilience.
“Burnout is a universal experience,” she notes, “but how well you handle it really depends on your resilience.
All in all, gen Z needs to ‘grow a thick skin’ to tackle today’s work challenges. Without this resilience, managing stress can become an uphill battle.
Tech vs. toughness
Gen Z has all the latest tech tools at their fingertips, but sometimes they’re feeling like a high-tech gadget with a low battery.
Dr. Mariani highlights that while tech makes tasks easier, it can’t replace personal resilience.
“This generation, with their adaptability to current technological advancements, should utilise these tools to work more efficiently, unlike in the past when everything had to be done manually.”
Job hopping trends
According to a 2023 Business Insider report, Gen Z might be switching careers more frequently than they update their social media status.
Many are planning to leave their current jobs within two years, adding to a cycle of burnout and job-hopping.
The Wellness at Work Report 2024 confirms that both Gen Z (64%) and millennials (69%) are feeling the stress, with Gen Z’s job-hopping tendencies just adding fuel to the fire.
Understanding criticisms
There’s a notion that Gen Z is “spoiled” and overly sensitive, but Dr. Mariani argues that these traits are more about upbringing than entitlement.
“Some parents may spoil their children too much, which could lead to today’s youth being easily triggered by criticism and unable to withstand pressure.
“It’s not fair to label an entire generation as spoiled,” she explains. “These traits often stem from various factors, including parenting and social influences.” So, it’s more about the environment than the generation itself.
Pressure from choices
Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani points out that Gen Z’s exposure to countless choices can add to their stress.
“Gen Z often feels the pressure when their work environment doesn’t live up to their high expectations,” he explains.
Growing up with so many options can make it tough when reality doesn’t meet their “menu” of expectations.
