Are we working hard enough to help Gen Z?

It is quite remarkable how often younger generation are criticised. There are a whole number of reports emerging which label Gen Z as being more difficult to work with than those in previous generations. There are many who will openly note that this group tends to feel entitled and demonstrate a lack of effort, motivation and productivity.

One must wonder how constructive such broad- based criticisms are?

A recent report (by Harmony Healthcare IT) in the US noted that:

• 61 percent of Gen Z have a medically diagnosed anxiety condition.
• 54% suffer from anxiety and of those, 48% are suffering a panic attack at least once per month.
• The most common cause of their anxiety is noted as the future
• 45 percent noted financial concerns.
• Almost 1 in 3 Gen Zers surveyed with anxiety said they used medication to help them manage the symptoms. On average, Gen Zers who take medication for anxiety started taking medication at 19, according to the survey. ?
• Of those Gen Zers who take medication, 83 percent said they take it daily. ?
• Almost half, 48 percent, of Gen Zers surveyed, said they go on walks or hikes to manage their anxiety while others paint, write or play an instrument. ?
• The survey also showed that 2 out of 5 go to therapy and 53 percent have gotten professional help for mental health at some point. ?

Another research report noted that:

• 60% of young people (aged 18 to 24) have felt so stressed by the pressure to succeed that they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
• 47% of young people have felt so stressed by body image and appearance that they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
• 57% of young people have felt so stressed because of fear of making mistakes they have felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.
• 39% of young people said they had experienced suicidal feelings because of stress.
• 29% of young people said they had self-harmed because of high-stress levels.

?Are these figures accurate? One can argue the point, but all have witnessed similar accounts and even if the figures are out by 10%, they are still a source of major concern.

One has to wonder how we have reached such a place. It used to be a saying that youth was the time for boldness and carefree behaviours; it seems to be very different today. In many ways it is disappointing as we want the young to feel able to challenge. Maybe this now is the task to be faced: to once again enable the youth to feel the freedom that previous generations did?

It is clear that the steady stream of criticism will not be of help but that there is a need for new processes and support processes across all businesses.? Support needs to be rethought with care. New frameworks need to be developed.

The business argument is easy. We need a generation of talent to grow and become leaders. We need to retain and develop talent – so the cost of new frameworks will easily cover the cost.

But we need a stronger starting place to work from.

Written by Chris Sheppardson, EP Business in Hospitality