Why Gen Z Is the Most Stressed Generation in the Workforce

Stress is something that all generations deal with, but recently, Gen Z has been experiencing stress unlike other generations. Ninety-four percent of Gen Z report monthly mental health struggles according to recent findings. Forbes reports that 35 percent say they feel stressed or anxious most or all of the time, and 47 percent feel burnt out. Here is the kind of stress Gen Z is facing, along with how to combat it. 

Financial Concerns are the Biggest Reason

When researchers ask Gen Z what's stressing them, financial concerns are consistently at the top of the list. Cost of living has been a major concern, with Deloitte’s report showing that 34 percent of Gen Z struggles paying for their monthly living expenses, 47 percent are living paycheck to paycheck, and 51 percent aren’t able to afford a home. Additionally, more than half are delaying major life decisions such as marriage and starting a family because they simply can’t afford them.

These financial concerns bleed into the workplace. It’s hard to show up and give your all in the office when in the back of your mind, you’re thinking about how to pay rent this month. Financial stress affects all parts of your life, so leaving it outside of the workplace is nearly impossible. 

Loneliness Contributes to the Problem

In 2025, Cigna found that 67 percent of Gen Z reported feeling lonely, which is the highest percentage of any generation. There are a combination of factors that contribute to this, including COVID keeping people apart, social media taking up a larger percentage of people’s time, and the loss of so-called “third places” (places to find community that aren’t home or work). Financial stress can also drive loneliness as people don’t have the funds for social activities like going out to dinner or getting coffee with friends. This lack of community and connection leads to higher stress levels, as humans are social by nature. 

Workplace Stress is Also a Factor

The workplace itself is adding to the load, as well. Among Gen Z workers, the top three workplace stress drivers are: not having enough time to complete their work (reported by 46 percent), long working hours (51 percent), and toxic workplace culture (45 percent), according to Deloitte's research. 

How This Affects the Job Search

If you're a student or early-career professional evaluating where to work, it’s important to assess what companies are doing to combat employee stress and mental health struggles. Does the firm encourage using your PTO? Are there clear norms and boundaries around after-hours communication? Do current employees describe a culture of mental wellbeing, or one where stress is worn as a badge of honor?

This is where the Vault rankings can help. In the Vault surveys of interns, bankers, accountants, and consultants, employees and interns rank their company in multiple quality of life categories, including quality of life, satisfaction, compensation, and more. Looking at these rankings and real comments from employees can help give you a better idea of what working at the company is like, and if their practices align with your needs and values.

The good news is that more Gen Zers are seeking help than ever before. The generation that is most stressed is also the generation most willing to acknowledge it, which is the first step towards making a positive change.