Gen Z driving demand for workplace mental health support

Gen Z employees are seeking mental health support at almost twice the rate of Millennials, suggesting an increased need for employers to tailor wellbeing and sustainability intervention strategies for different generations.

New analysis from nurse-led support organisation RedArc found that 43 per cent of referrals from Gen Z employees between 2021 and 2025 were related to mental health concerns. This compares with 22 per cent for Millennials, 14 per cent for Gen X and nine per cent for Baby Boomers.

The findings are based on thousands of referrals from working-age people over a five-year period.

RedArc said the data reflects a growing willingness among younger employees to seek help, rather than suggesting older generations experience fewer mental health challenges.

Christine Husbands, commercial consultant at RedArc, said: “What stands out is the growing willingness among younger generations to talk about mental health concerns and seek support when they need it. That does not mean other generations are less affected or less in need of help, rather that Gen Z may feel more comfortable accessing support and discussing mental wellbeing.”

The organisation believes each generation faces different pressures that can affect workplace wellbeing.

For Gen Z, these include the lasting impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, social media and student debt. Millennials are more likely to be balancing careers with family responsibilities, while many Gen X employees are juggling work alongside caring for both children and ageing parents. For Baby Boomers, concerns are more commonly linked to retirement, health and long-term financial security.

RedArc said these differing experiences mean employers should avoid taking a one-size-fits-all approach to mental health support.

Instead, organisations should ensure support is accessible to every generation, particularly those who may be less likely to ask for help despite experiencing significant challenges.

The organisation also argues that effective workplace mental health support should combine practical coping strategies with personalised support from qualified professionals, rather than relying solely on digital resources or self-help tools.

Husbands added: “Personalised support from a qualified human mental health practitioner should be at the core of mental health care for all generations to ensure it delivers appropriate and personalised support, tailored to the individual.”

While the data suggests younger employees are more likely to engage with available support, it also raises questions for employers about whether existing communication and wellbeing strategies are reaching all sections of the workforce equally.

As workplaces become increasingly multigenerational, ensuring mental health support is both visible and relevant across different age groups is likely to become an increasingly important part of employee wellbeing strategies.