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The Wellbeing at Work study of over 1,000 Gen Z to Boomer-aged full time employees from across the UK showed young people are not adapting to the workplace well .

Almost three-quarters ( 72 %) of Gen Z workers said they had experienced burnout at work in the last three months , compared to just 44 % of boomers .

The stress from their workplace was unrelenting , with 23 % saying they were stressed every day and 44 % feeling stressed a few days of the week . Just 6 % of Boomers felt stressed every day .

These younger workers were the least likely to say they were happy with their mental health ( 41 %) compared to 63 % of

Boomers . They were also the most likely to say their main source of stress was financial ( 42 %).

Gen Z workers were looking for help and understanding – not a cushy job . Indeed , they were the least likely to suggest a ‘ less demanding workload ’ as a fix for their workplace , with just 7 % citing it . Boomers were twice as likely to suggest this option ( 15 %).

Kevin Fitzgerald , UK MD of Employment Hero , said : “ This generational chasm must not be ignored or dismissed as the result of an ‘ entitled generation ’. These young workers will be running the entire economy before long , and we desperately need them to succeed in the workplace , not drown in it .

“ Addressing this isn ’ t as simple as offering a few pizza days every month . Managers need to sit down with their younger employees and really understand the demands being placed upon them and make sure they have the skills to take them on .

“ Burnout shouldn ’ t be seen as a fact of life . We know from our own experience at Employment Hero that emphasising flexibility in the workplace is crucial to keeping people happy and engaged . This isn ’ t about giving the young an easy ride – the data shows they are the least likely to want less work – it ’ s about giving them the setting they need to thrive .”

Kimi Powell , Director of Clinical Services at employee wellbeing platform , Sonder , said : “ Burnout isn ’ t inherent to demanding work , it ’ s a consequence of prolonged , unmanaged stress . While a healthy level of stress can be motivating , chronic activation of our fight or flight response deplete emotional and physical resources . Recognising this shift , from helpful stress to debilitating burnout is crucial for both individuals and organisations .” x

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