Will the demand for healthy ways of working transform the nature of work?

Will the demand for healthy ways of working transform the nature of work?

In a study by Ernst & Young among 10,000 workers aged 18-34, the most important indicator of ‘success’ was found to be physical and mental health (51%). By comparison, having wealth was only found to be one of the major markers of success by 42%.

The researchers point to the findings as a signal of how Generation Z want something very different from their working lives — and that will have “profound implications” for employers and ways of working: “Previous generations accepted personal sacrifice at work in exchange for the promise of long-term job security and career advancement. Gen Z no longer trusts that bargain.” 

Fear of burn-out

Generation Z — around 27% of the global workforce now, and due to form the majority by 2035 — have seen the impact of modern ways of working on their parents and other relatives and want a different experience, say Ernst & Young. 34% had “deep fears” about the future.

They are wary of the impact of work in terms of burn-out; they’re not confident about their ability to buy a home, or to accumulate wealth. They are less interested in staying with a single employer for long periods; they don’t believe they will necessarily find stability and certainty in their careers. Instead they want to prioritise health and wellbeing, and most value employers who will support those needs.

EAP partnerships

EAPA UK chair, Karl Bennett said: “As we keep seeing through our work, health and wellbeing is becoming more of a priority for all generations, not just younger people. We’re all looking for the right balance between the challenges and rewards — and it’s imperative for HR and employers that they make workplace wellbeing a priority, a foundation to how the organisation works.

“But as EAP providers we still see our services being used to deal with crisis situations, to help repair serious issues with stress and anxiety and depression, when what’s needed — and what this kind of research confirms — is more attention to creating healthier workplaces. Workplaces where there’s an understanding of the pressures involved with different roles and targets, and there’s support and flexibility to minimise the impact. More organisations should be working in partnership with their people and their EAP to pick up on trends and issues early, and collaborate together on finding and building that healthier, smarter balance.”