Here’s a startling fact: Gen Z’s approach to mental health days might be reshaping the workplace—and not necessarily in a way that benefits them. But here’s where it gets controversial: while these young workers are taking time off to prioritize their well-being, some employers are growing hesitant to hire them. Could this trend cost Gen Z their jobs in the long run? Let’s dive in.
Gen Z’s emphasis on “mental health days” has led to a staggering 26 million workdays lost annually in Australia, according to researchers at Macquarie University. This makes young workers aged 18 to 29 the most stressed demographic in the country, alongside women and those in Victoria. To put it in perspective, these workers are one and a half times more likely to experience distress compared to their older counterparts aged 50 to 64. The findings, based on Australian Bureau of Statistics data from 2020 and 2021, paint a concerning picture of workplace mental health.
And this is the part most people miss: It’s not just about taking time off. Lead researcher Kristy Burns explains that young workers often face casual employment with little job security, financial stress, and workplace challenges like conflict, low control, and bullying. These factors contribute to poorer mental health, creating a vicious cycle. “We don’t want employers to avoid hiring young workers because of this,” Burns emphasizes. “Young people bring immense value to the workplace, and employment itself can improve mental health.”
The cost of stress to workplaces is staggering—nearly $17 billion annually. Highly stressed workers miss over 20 days of work per year, equivalent to an extra month off compared to less stressed employees. Stress also accounts for 10% of serious injury claims, with 18% of workers reporting psychological distress. Clerical and administrative workers top the list at 25.9%, followed by financial and insurance services at 23%. Interestingly, mining workers report the least stress at just 8.5%.
Here’s the kicker: Despite making up the smallest portion of the workforce, young workers account for the largest number of stress-related absences—26 million days. Healthcare, education, accommodation, food, and retail sectors see the most days off. Women, too, bear a heavier burden, with 21.9% experiencing distress compared to 14.8% of men. Victoria leads the nation in stress rates, with 22% of workers reporting high or very high stress levels, while Western Australia has the lowest at 14%.
Earlier this year, News Corp’s Growth Distillery and Medibank found that 34% of Australians are experiencing burnout, with 45% of those being Gen Z. Millennials aren’t far behind at 41%. The common thread? A lack of downtime and overwhelming daily pressures from work, family, and social expectations. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) defines burnout through exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced professional accomplishment, but Milly Bannister, founder of Gen Z mental health charity ALLKND, argues it’s more than just being “too tired.” “It’s an identity crisis,” she says. “When work erodes your sense of self, values, and connections, that’s when the real damage happens.”
Now, here’s a thought-provoking question: Is burnout truly about workload, or is it about misalignment—when work no longer aligns with who you are? Bannister believes the latter. This perspective challenges traditional views of burnout and invites us to rethink how we approach work-life balance.
So, what do you think? Are Gen Z’s mental health days a necessary step toward a healthier workforce, or are they inadvertently creating barriers to employment? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that matters.
