UK study: Gen Z’s mental health is a job market catch-22.
One theory behind Gen Z’s struggles focuses on growing up in an “age of anxiety.”
According to the NatWest Youth Index, young people are trapped in a troubling cycle where their mental health struggles make it harder to find and keep a job, which then worsens their mental well-being. The annual study from the UK bank reveals a concerning trend affecting Gen Z’s entry into the workforce.
The report, released earlier this month, found that more than 20% of 16- to 25-year-olds missed school or work in the past year because of mental health issues. This absenteeism underscores the significant impact these challenges have on young people’s ability to engage in crucial activities. Additionally, the study revealed that mental health concerns are also preventing young people from even seeking job opportunities.
A notable 18% of young people reported avoiding job applications entirely, while 12% confessed to missing scheduled interviews due to anxiety, depression, or other related factors. This avoidance further restricts their opportunities to gain important work experience and achieve financial independence.
The financial strain of the current economic climate is intensifying these mental health challenges. The study found that 43% of respondents felt the cost of living has had a negative effect on their mental well-being. This additional pressure creates a complex cycle where financial concerns worsen mental health issues, which in turn make it harder for young people to find employment and improve their financial situation. Despite these challenges, the study offers a sense of hope.
A large majority of Gen Z respondents, 62%, believed that having a job would improve their mental health. This highlights a strong desire to work and an awareness of the positive impact employment can have in providing structure, purpose, and social connection. However, the current mental health challenges are preventing them from accessing these benefits.
A 2023 McKinsey study highlighted the extent of mental health struggles among Gen Z, showing that they face more severe challenges than previous generations, including millennials. While the study points to the potential role of excessive social media use in contributing to feelings of isolation and loneliness, it also acknowledges the complexity of the issue. Access to mental health resources, such as professionals and wellness apps, indicates that social media’s impact is multifaceted. Despite the challenges, some data suggests positive trends.
Axios reports that today’s teens are entering the workforce at a higher rate than millennials did at the same age. However, a talent acquisition firm, AMS, discovered that managers feel 40% of young people are unprepared for the workplace. This gap underscores the challenge of not only entering the workforce but also meeting its demands successfully.
One theory behind Gen Z’s struggles focuses on the “age of anxiety” in which they were raised. The Annie E. Casey Foundation reported that the aftermath of the pandemic had a profound effect on children’s mental health, especially for those from lower-income families. According to the foundation, young people growing up in poverty are two to three times more likely to develop mental health issues than their peers.
This underscores the intersection of mental health and socioeconomic factors. Tackling Gen Z’s mental health challenges calls for a comprehensive approach, which includes better access to mental health support, specialized job training programs, and creating more understanding and supportive work environments.
By addressing these issues, society can help break the current cycle and empower Gen Z to succeed both personally and professionally.
