World Mental Health Day was marked on October 10, spotlighting the vital role of prioritizing mental health in the workplace. This topic is of particular relevancy and interest to younger millennial workers and Gen Z – a group for whom issues surrounding mental health, work-life balance, and wellbeing in general, have increasingly become a central concern.
Research studying Gen Z’s workplace preferences and demands has continually highlighted that they are more conscious of the need to preserve their mental well-being and seek a healthy equilibrium between their professional and personal lives. This consciousness has compounded during the COVID-19 pandemic, with workforce members experiencing heightened feelings of exhaustion caused by a shift to remote working.
The traditional 9-to-5 work schedule that Gen X and older millennials were familiar with, often due to the influence of baby boomer parents, is being heavily scrutinized and pushed back against by younger workers. This shift seems primarily motivated by an acute awareness of burnout that many have been feeling, a situation only amplified by the coronavirus pandemic’s necessitated changes.
Tsuyoshi Akiyama, president of the World Federation for Mental Health, has underscored the pressing need to confront mental health issues in the workplace, noting that working adults spend significant portions of their waking lives at their jobs. At its best, work can offer a means for sustenance and be a source of fulfillment, inspiration, and satisfaction.
However, the burden of unrealistic expectations is resulting in many Gen Zers feeling that they are being asked to take on the functions of multiple roles, exceeding expectations while contending with minimal pay. There is realization among them that such circumstances do not align with their vision for a sustainable and fulfilling life.
The sentiment resonates with professionals at mid-career stages as well, who often feel the stress of maintaining numerous commitments, including achieving targets and meeting deadlines. There is a growing recognition that while dedicating significant time and energy to one’s job is important, it should not override other aspects of life, including personal well-being and spiritual fulfillment.
It is perceptive to look at time as an abundance of wealth invested into what we prioritize. Although it is essential to devote necessary time for professional commitments to perform them well, it cannot surpass other critical relationships, including one’s relationship with personal peace and spiritual growth.
The sacrifices made to achieve professional success should not come at the expense of one’s mental health or personal life. Allowing work to dominate our lives, especially when it leads to excessive distress and impacts mental health, is a reality that needs to be reevaluated.
Younger generations are leading the way in standing up against being overworked and overwhelmed. They are valuing quality of life from a young age and understanding of the importance of mental well-being. It’s critical that we join them in this understanding and make mental health a priority within our workplaces, fostering an environment of wellbeing, support, and personal fulfillment.
Dr. Jessica A. Johnson is a lecturer in the English department at Ohio State University’s Lima campus. She is frequently active on X: @JjSmojc where she shares insightful updates about her professional life and latest thoughts on a broad spectrum of issues.
