Gen Zs and millennials on mental well-being at work Deloitte Global
The Deloitte Perspective article, released on World Mental Health Day 2025, summarizes key findings from the Deloitte Global 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey (23,000+ respondents across 44 countries). It shows that mental health is a leading societal concern (second for Gen Z, fourth for millennials). About half of each generation rates their mental well‑being as good or excellent, while a sizable minority report fair or poor mental health. Stress and anxiety are common (40% of Gen Zs, 34% of millennials feel stressed or anxious most of the time); for roughly one‑third of these, the job is a significant stressor, especially due to long working hours, lack of recognition, and toxic workplace cultures. The article details perceived managerial support—most feel comfortable speaking to their direct manager and believe managers could help, yet 26% fear discrimination if they raise mental‑health concerns. A gap exists between the need for time off (74% of Gen Zs, 68% of millennials) and actual leave taken (43% and 37%). Personal life factors such as long‑term financial concerns, family health, day‑to‑day finances, relationships, and personal health also drive anxiety. Job‑specific stressors identified include long hours, insufficient recognition, toxic culture, unfair decision‑making, time pressure, and lack of inclusion. The data reveal strong correlations: satisfaction with recognition and career‑growth opportunities aligns with higher reported well‑being, and those with good mental health are more likely to see their work as meaningful and to describe themselves as happy. The piece calls on employers to use these insights to improve mental‑health policies, foster inclusive cultures, and support employee well‑being.
Topics
Self‑Rated Mental Well‑Being and Prevalence of Stress
52% of Gen Zs and 58% of millennials rate their mental well‑being as good/excellent; 40% of Gen Zs and 34% of millennials feel stressed or anxious most of the time.
Primary Workplace Stress Drivers
Long working hours, insufficient recognition/reward, and toxic workplace cultures are identified as the top contributors to job‑related stress for both generations.
Perceived Managerial Support Versus Fear of Discrimination
62% of Gen Zs and 64% of millennials feel comfortable speaking to their direct manager about mental health, and 58‑59% believe managers could support them, yet 26% fear discrimination if they raise concerns.
Time‑Off Needs, Actual Leave Taking, and Disclosure Patterns
74% of Gen Zs and 68% of millennials have needed time off due to stress, but only 43% and 37% actually took leave; 22% of Gen Zs and 19% of millennials gave a different reason for their absence.
Personal Life Factors Contributing to Anxiety
Long‑term financial future, family health, day‑to‑day finances, personal relationships, mental and physical health, and the job itself are cited as major anxiety drivers, with similar percentages across generations.
Job‑Specific Stressors Rated as “A Lot” by Employees
Long working hours, lack of recognition, toxic culture, unfair decision‑making, insufficient time to complete work, and feeling excluded by colleagues are the most frequently reported job stressors.
Correlation Between Recognition, Career Growth, and Reported Well‑Being
When satisfied with recognition, 61% of Gen Zs and 68% of millennials report good mental well‑being versus 41% and 45% when dissatisfied; similar patterns appear for career‑growth satisfaction.
Purpose, Meaning, and Happiness Linked to Mental Well‑Being
Respondents with good mental well‑being are more likely to view their jobs as meaningful (67% Gen Zs, 72% millennials) and to describe themselves as happy (62% Gen Zs, 67% millennials).