Generation Z is transforming modern workplaces by placing mental health and well-being at the forefront, treating these as essential requirements rather than optional benefits. This shift challenges traditional career priorities, such as long-term loyalty for promised retirement security, and emphasises immediate quality of life.
Mental health expert Noel McDermott highlights Gen Z’s influence on workplace culture: “There is a generational issue here and Gen Z in particular are leading the way with these issues. We used to talk about feminising the workforce but then noticed that women were getting the same industrial diseases as their male counterparts so it wasn’t an issue about gender but about culture. In some ways as the boomer promises have not been passed down to the Gen Z generation they have had to live more for now rather than the promise of a well cared for retirement. And indeed that makes more sense. The move into workpreneurism involving a career spanning multiple companies and even industries has brought to stark relief the issue of quality of work life. Any workplace wanting to attract this generation needs to take these issues seriously. This is the generation that doesn’t expect you to give it all to them but will go and get it for themselves. Tapping into that energy as a smart employer means learning from them and transforming the work environment.”
Surveys show Gen Z ranks physical and mental health as top measures of success, often above wealth or occupation. Many in this generation would consider leaving jobs without strong mental health support. Flexibility and well-being are key factors in job satisfaction and retention. Global reports reveal high levels of stress among Gen Z workers, frequently linked to long hours and inadequate recognition, reinforcing their push for healthier work boundaries.
Several high-profile figures illustrate the value of prioritising health. Manon Bannerman of the girl group, Katseye, took a temporary hiatus in February 2026 to focus on her well-being, stating she was healthy and trusting the bigger picture. Figure skater Alysa Liu retired at 16 after the 2022 Beijing Olympics due to burnout, explored life outside the sport, and made a remarkable comeback, winning gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Tennis player Emma Raducanu has publicly discussed putting her mental and physical health first, addressing performance anxiety and physical challenges that impacted her career.
Prevention is key, as these cases demonstrate at elite levels. Despite facing additional pressures, including misogynist death threats and racism, these athletes safeguarded their well-being. Raducanu and Liu returned stronger, showing the benefits of stepping back when needed. Society is increasingly embracing a holistic definition of success, moving beyond outdated notions that tolerate alcohol misuse or unchecked mental strain as career trade-offs.
Smart employers who adopt flexible working, healthier boundaries, and well-being initiatives see positive outcomes such as increased productivity, decreased absenteeism, and longer staff retention. Investing in staff through time off or employee assistance programmes encourages early help-seeking and fosters role models. Supportive environments help address unhealthy behaviours earlier, making treatment easier and recurrence less likely.
Sharing positive examples is cost-effective and reinforces a healthy culture. Encouraging staff and leaders to discuss help-seeking or taking breaks, and featuring stories in staff journals or lunchtime sessions, helps build an environment where prioritising health signals strength, not weakness.
Strong social connections are essential, as prosocial activities reward the brain and reduce stress. Building networks of supportive friends through shared values, purpose, or local opportunities can reinforce well-being. Maintaining an active lifestyle, such as exercising at least three times a week for 20 minutes, participating in sports, or doing high-intensity interval training, helps manage stress hormones that negatively affect mental health. A balanced diet supports both mind and body by reducing processed foods, aiming for an 80/20 ratio of vegetables and fruit to meat, controlling portions, and limiting sugar. Good sleep hygiene is critical, including maintaining routines, avoiding stimulants at night, exercising, limiting blue light exposure, and keeping phones out of bed. Activities that boost dopamine, oxytocin, serotonin, and endorphins, such as exercise, outdoor activity, and rewarding social interactions, enhance overall well-being.
Noel McDermott emphasises: “As we live longer, who really wants to have an older age with little to no quality of life? Let’s learn from our younger counterparts and achieve a better mental health and work life balance by protecting and prioritising our mental health in the workplace and at home.”
Noel McDermott is a psychotherapist and dramatherapist with over 30 years in health, social care, education, and criminal justice. His company, Mental Health Works, provides personalised mental health services (mentalhealthworks.net).