Only half (51 per cent) of U.S. generation Z employees say their employer cares about their mental health, according to a new survey by the Hartford Financial Services Group Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 500 human resources decision-makers and more than 1,100 workers, found among gen Z workers, 53 per cent said they’re highly stressed during a typical workweek and 44 per cent said they feel depressed or anxious at least a few times per week. Two-fifths (41 per cent) said stigma related to mental health prevents them from seeking care.
Read: Gen Z employees reporting decreased happiness at work: survey
It also found gen Z (38 per cent) and millennials (32 per cent) are more likely to say mental health impacts their productivity, compared to just eight per cent of baby boomers. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of HR decision-makers said employees’ deteriorating mental health is negatively impacting their company’s financial performance, down from 71 per cent in 2022.
A majority of U.S. workers said employers should provide more mental-health training for managers (58 per cent), additional mental-health tools for employees (59 per cent) and better resources for their dependants (58 per cent). Similarly, a majority of HR decision-makers agreed managers need additional mental-health training (71 per cent) and resources (65 per cent), but half said a lack of funding prevents them from making these changes.
“The future of work depends on meaningful action today to support workers’ emotional and mental well-being,” said Christopher Swift, chairman and chief executive officer at the Hartford, in a press release. “Employers have the power to transform mental health through empathetic leadership, inclusive and collaborative workplaces that foster connection and more resources tailored to the unique needs of employees and their families.”
Read: Survey finds majority of Gen Z, millennials dealing with anxiety, depression