One-third of Gen Z, millennials take time off due to mental health
According to the Pew Research Center, Gen Z was the generation expected to inherit a strong economy with record-low unemployment. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the generation faces an uncertain future. That’s why a third of millennials and Gen Z respondents have taken time off due to work stress and anxiety, according to a recent Deloitte survey. Meanwhile, 40% feel their employers did a poor job of supporting their mental well-being during the pandemic.
A company that promotes a work-life balance is something that Gen Z applicants are after. Allowing employees to create healthy boundaries on how much they work keeps them mentally and physically fit. Companies can achieve this by encouraging employees to use their leave credits, cultivating a workplace culture that is mindful of employees’ workloads and deadlines and offering wellness programs like employee assistance programs (EAPs).
In fact, EAPs may just be the most powerful tool employers have to meet the diversified needs of their employees. According to MetLife data, employees who were offered an EAP by their employer were 34% more likely to say their mental health has improved in the last 12 months and 18% more likely to feel holistically healthy.
EAPs have risen in popularity over the past two years. They provide counseling, referrals, assessments and follow-up check-ins for employees dealing with a multitude of issues: drug abuse, alcoholism, financial problems, legal troubles, job stress, personal problems, separation and loss and family violence.
