As stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges increasingly affect employees, addressing mental health at work has become an urgent priority for employers. According to Deloitte Global’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, awareness of mental health issues in the workplace is growing, with more employers offering resources for their teams. However, significant gaps still exist that need to be addressed.
On this World Mental Health Day, I present eight critical findings from the survey that emphasize why mental health in the workplace should be a top concern for employers:
High Levels of Stress Among Younger Workers: The survey reveals that 40% of Gen Z respondents and over one-third of millennials experience stress or anxiety all or most of the time. This figure is notably higher among women, particularly Gen Z women, who report a twelve-percentage-point disparity compared to their male counterparts.
Impact on Under-Represented Groups: Millennials and Gen Zs from under-represented groups—such as the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities—report even higher levels of stress and anxiety. Alarmingly, 61% of respondents with disabilities indicate they feel stressed or anxious consistently.
Underutilization of Support Services: Although the report indicates a year-over-year improvement in workplace support, many employees, especially those who need assistance the most, do not utilize available resources. For instance, only about 40% of those who report feeling stressed or anxious regularly access their Employee Assistance Programs.
Workplace Contributions to Stress: While external factors, such as financial concerns and family welfare, contribute to stress levels, approximately one-third of respondents acknowledge that their jobs also add to their overall stress. Long working hours are a significant contributing factor for half of these individuals.
Negative Workplace Experiences: A third of Gen Z workers feel micro-managed, while 30% report a lack of purpose in their work. Additionally, the same proportion expresses feelings of loneliness or isolation in the workplace.
Burnout Among Younger Generations: Half of Gen Z and over 40% of millennials report feeling burned out at work. Despite this, only about half of respondents from both generations believe their employers are actively working to prevent burnout.
Lack of Leadership Commitment: Despite increased awareness of mental health issues since the COVID-19 pandemic, around 30% of respondents feel that senior leaders are not prioritizing mental health in the workplace. A similar percentage believes that their direct managers would discriminate against them for raising mental health concerns.
The Imperative for Action: The stark realities highlighted by this data underline the need for employers to take mental health seriously. To learn more about actionable steps employers can take to support their employees’ mental well-being, please explore the full report.
As the workforce continues to navigate the complexities of mental health, it is crucial for employers to recognize and address these challenges effectively.
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