Research reveals which generation is the most burnt-out
While some generations have been perceived as more complaintive than others, there is one that seems to be justified.
If you are a student or a working individual, you have probably heard the term 'burnout'.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognises burnout as an occupational phenomenon.
While it is not a medical or mental health condition, it has been classified as a syndrome, meaning a collection of symptoms or signs associated with a specific health-related cause. Burnout is a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion. It can occur when you experience long-term stress and feel under constant pressure.
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Just like any other mental, physical or emotional health issues, burnout does not discriminate.
It affects entry-level employees, middle managers and CEOs, people of all ages and industries.
A recent report by Aflac, a supplemental insurance company, determined which generation suffers the most from burnout.
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Many external stressors affect all generations, including economic uncertainty, the cost-of-living crisis, and geopolitical unrest.
However, this study found that 66% of millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) report moderate to high levels of burnout, followed closely by Gen X, who have a burnout rate of 60%.
While many people tend to think of Gen Z as being "lazy snowflakes", they only report a 56% burnout rate.
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Baby boomers report the least amount, with 39%.
Millennials suffer the most because of the unique challenges they face as a generation.
They struggle to balance the demands of work and family life, as there tends to be inadequate support structures.
One possible explanation for the higher levels of burnout among millennials could be their unique career pressures and expectations: facing more demanding work environments than other generations — defined by constant connectivity, high performance expectations and a competitive job market.
Millennials are also increasingly part of the sandwich generation, which includes adults who are responsible for caring for children and ageing parents.
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With the increased demands of a specific generation pf caregivers, studies have shown that it is also in a company's best interest to ensure millennials have the resources and benefits they need to succeed.
The mental load [of caregiving] permeates the workplace; it goes just beyond the four walls of your home, especially in a more interconnected world. [It] has an impact on attendance, productivity, and overall quality of life for the employee, [while also having] a lot of impact for the employer.
The Aflac report recommends that employers embrace more flexible work options, such as hybrid work models, and offer employees more personal time off (PTO).
It also suggests that employers must provide comprehensive health and well-being benefits to employees who struggle to find time for themselves (eg. company sponsoredself-care programmes).
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