The Facts
According to a survey of 2,436 working adults conducted by Mental Health UK, 35% of employees aged 18-24 took stress-related sick leave in 2024, compared to 10% of workers aged 55 and above.
The survey noted that the proportion of Gen Z (people born between 1996 and 2010) workers comfortable discussing stress with managers dropped significantly from 75% to 56% last year.
The Spin
Narrative A
Gen Z is experiencing unprecedented workplace stress due to financial pressures, increased workloads, and job insecurity. Modern workplace demands and economic challenges are creating unsustainable pressure on young workers, leading to burnout and decreased productivity. The current system of workplace mental health support is outdated and inadequate for addressing 21st-century challenges.
Narrative B
Young workers must develop resilience and better coping mechanisms for life's natural challenges. The increasing tendency to medicalize normal life difficulties is concerning, and there's a risk of encouraging people to view regular workplace challenges as medical conditions requiring intervention. Traditional work ethics and professional expectations shouldn't be compromised.
