One-Third of Gen Z Frontline Workers Consider Quitting Due to Health Concerns, Study Finds
A new study finds Gen Z frontline employees are experiencing high levels of burnout, with many calling for more workplace flexibility to improve job satisfaction and retention.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Oct 28, 2024
A recent global study conducted by UKG and Workplace Intelligence has revealed that 83 percent of Gen Z frontline employees report burnout, with over one-third considering leaving their jobs due to its negative impact on their physical and mental health.
The study—which surveyed nearly 13,000 frontline workers and managers across 11 countries — highlights the need for workplace flexibility to improve employee retention among younger workers.
Among the key findings, the study reports that 75 percent of all frontline employees, across generations, feel burned out. However, Gen Z employees — those aged 18 to 27 — are disproportionately affected, with 72 percent stating that workplace interactions have worsened their mental health. Thirty-six percent even say they may quit because the negative effects their job has had on their physical and mental well-being.
“Our global study finds that not all workplace cultures are supportive of Gen Z and the frontline workforce,” Dan Schawbel, managing partner at Workplace Intelligence, said in a statement. “While it’s not all bad — for example, two-thirds of frontline employees globally (66 percent) consider their workplace great overall — there’s still critical work to do to get Gen Z more excited about frontline careers. One thing is for certain across all generations: if you don’t fix the frontline experience, you risk losing valuable talent.”
Meanwhile, 20 percent of frontline employees globally have stayed with the same employer for more than 10 years, suggesting that many workplaces are managing to create compelling employee experiences. Yet, the desire for more flexibility is clear. Work-life balance and flexible scheduling are top priorities for 55 percent of all frontline employees when choosing an employer, second only to pay and compensation.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.