Katharina Buczek
“To remain competitive, employers should invest in strategies that support their workers’ well-being and mental health.”
Stress tied to generational gaps is not the only challenge younger employees are facing, either. The survey further suggests that there’s a disconnect between employees’ preferred work arrangements and their current situations.
Approximately 58% reported they work completely in person, yet just 38% claimed they actually want to work in the office full-time. Rather, more younger workers would prefer either a hybrid or a fully remote position.
Artificial intelligence tools being integrated into the workplace is causing stress for younger workers, too, as many worry that AI could eventually make some parts of their jobs obsolete.
All of these shifts call for workplace environments to be fostered with “psychological safety” in mind. In other words, places where employees feel able to express their sentiments without fear of negative consequences.
Employees who felt higher levels of psychological safety were significantly more likely to feel a sense of belonging and authenticity at work as opposed to those who felt less psychologically safe.
“Younger and older workers alike are facing a paradigm shift around where and how we work,” concluded Evans.
