A recent survey by Employment Hero has highlighted a stark generational divide in workplace experiences, with nearly three-quarters (72%) of Gen Z employees reporting burnout in the last three months, compared to 44% of baby boomers.
The study suggests that while baby boomers appear to thrive in the workplace, their younger counterparts, particularly Gen Z, are struggling to adapt. This raises important questions about the different needs of these generations and how employers can support younger workers more effectively.
Gen Z’s higher burnout rates signal a need for workplaces to reassess their strategies, particularly in terms of employee wellbeing, growth opportunities, and fostering a sense of belonging. Guy Thornton, Founder of Practice Aptitude Tests, has outlined several strategies to help Gen Z employees thrive in the workplace, ensuring they feel as valued and supported as their more experienced colleagues.
Encouraging a Positive Work Environment
For Gen Z employees, who may find the workplace more challenging than their boomer counterparts, creating a positive and open work environment is crucial. Thornton emphasises the importance of establishing clear lines of communication, allowing younger employees to voice their opinions and concerns with confidence. This approach not only enhances team cohesion but also helps create a supportive environment where Gen Z employees feel more comfortable and integrated, ultimately leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction.
One of the primary reasons younger employees leave a company is the perceived lack of career growth and development opportunities. Thornton highlights that offering robust professional development options, such as mentorship programmes, networking events, and regular performance reviews, is key to retaining Gen Z talent. By investing in their future and providing continuous learning and training opportunities, employers can help Gen Z employees enhance their skills and progress in their careers. This not only boosts engagement but also helps younger workers see a long-term future within the company, reducing turnover.
Implementing Mental Health Support
Mental health is a significant concern for Gen Z employees, particularly given their higher propensity for burnout. Many in this generation are new to the workforce, with some having started their careers during the pandemic, which may have exacerbated feelings of isolation and disconnection. To address this, Thornton suggests that employers provide resources such as confidential counselling, stress management programmes, wellness initiatives, and support groups. These measures can help create a healthier, more supportive work environment that prioritises the wellbeing of all employees, particularly those in the most vulnerable generational group.
Gen Z is known for challenging traditional workplace norms, particularly in their emphasis on work-life balance. This generation values flexibility and personal time more than previous generations, making it essential for employers to align their workplace policies with these priorities. Thornton recommends several strategies to promote a healthy work-life balance, including ensuring employees take their full annual leave, introducing flexible working hours and hybrid work models, and setting clear boundaries around work communications outside of office hours. These measures can help prevent burnout, improve job satisfaction, and keep young employees motivated.
Fostering a Collaborative and Inclusive Culture
Building a supportive, collaborative, and inclusive workplace culture is essential for improving team morale, particularly among younger employees who may feel overwhelmed or burnt out. Thornton stresses the importance of team-building activities that foster collaboration between multigenerational teams. These activities help strengthen relationships, build trust, and create a more engaging workplace environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of the team’s output and overall productivity.
As the workforce continues to evolve, it is clear that different generations have distinct needs and challenges. By addressing these differences head-on and implementing targeted strategies, employers can create a more supportive and productive work environment for all employees, ensuring that both Gen Z and baby boomers can thrive in the modern workplace.
