Gen Z Experience Workplace Burnout: How Can Employers Support Younger Employees?
A recent survey aiming to highlight the differences between Gen Z and baby boomers in the workplace reveals that almost three-quarters (72%) of Gen Z employees have experienced burnout at work in the last three months, compared to a much lower 44% of boomers.
The Wellbeing at Work study, conducted by Employment Hero, indicates that Gen Z employees are floundering at work while their boomer colleagues thrive, suggesting that Gen Z isn’t settling in well at the workplace.
Supporting Gen Z employees who experience higher levels of burnout compared to older colleagues involves creating a workplace environment that prioritises their well-being, offers opportunities for growth, and promotes a sense of belonging.
With that being said, Guy Thornton, Founder of Practice Aptitude Tests, has shared a list with us of strategic ways employers can ensure Gen Z employees thrive in the workplace as much as more experienced team members:
1. Encourage a positive work environment
“For Gen Z employees who may be struggling more in the workplace while their boomer colleagues thrive, it’s important to create open and clear lines of communication. This enables them to honestly voice their opinions and concerns confidently, knowing they will be supported.
“This approach promotes team cohesion and creates a more positive work environment, helping younger employees feel more comfortable and welcome in the workplace and increasing overall productivity and job satisfaction.”
2. Provide learning and development opportunities
“Lack of development and career growth is one of the main reasons employees leave a company. Having fewer opportunities to grow may encourage younger employees to feel more detached and less likely to visualise a future with the business.
“Providing Gen Z employees with robust opportunities for professional development, such as mentorship programs, networking events, or performance reviews, is a key way to show that you’re investing in their future at the company.
“You can also offer learning and training programmes to help them improve their skills and knowledge that will help them progress in their career.
“Implementing these opportunities will ultimately improve retention rates and increase engagement among younger employees, who may feel overshadowed by older and more experienced colleagues.”
3. Implement mental health support
“Gen Z employees value their mental health, particularly in the workplace. As they are the most likely generation to experience burnout at work, it’s crucial for employers to understand this generation and their needs at work to promote a balanced workplace dynamic.
“A vast majority of this generation is only just learning the ropes of the workplace, many of whom may have joined during the pandemic. This may cause them to feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the workforce.
“Employers should consider providing resources such as confidential counselling, stress management, wellness programs, and support groups to help create a supportive and healthy work environment that promotes the wellbeing of all employees.”
4. Promote work-life balance
“It’s safe to say Gen Z are challenging traditional workplace norms, including the importance of a work-life balance. The younger generation values their personal lives and places high importance on a healthy balance and flexibility over any other aspect of a job role.
“Promoting an environment that aligns with their personal lives and wellbeing is important for retention and keeping young employees motivated. Some of the ways to promote a healthy work-life balance include:
- Ensure employees make use of their annual leave – “A recent survey revealed that two-thirds (65%) of employees don’t use their full annual leave allowance. Not taking annual leave can have a negative impact on the employee and employer, and not utilising it can lead to burnout, decreased job satisfaction and lower overall productivity.”
- Introduce flexible working hours and conditions – “Such as flexible start or finish times and hybrid working between the home and office. Ensure to check in with employees to make sure they are achieving their professional goals, utilising their time effectively, and making the most of their flexible working arrangements.”
- Set boundaries – “Insist your team don’t check emails outside of working hours to ensure employees can focus on their personal time and shut off from work. This is particularly important over the weekend, as it ensures the team returns to work feeling refreshed.”
5. Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture
“Building a supportive and engaging workplace culture helps increase team morale, particularly among younger generations who may feel overwhelmed, stressed or burnt out. This ultimately increases the quality of the team’s deliverables and productivity.
“Promoting team-building activities is a really beneficial way to improve collaboration between a multigenerational team, as it helps to strengthen relationships and build trust among employees.”