The younger generation has entered the workforce at one of the most unsettled moments in recent history. They stepped into their first jobs just after the pandemic and are now trying to grow in an environment
marked by AI threats, layoffs, slower hiring, and rapidly changing job expectations. In the context of their ‘growing up’ turmoil, first through the 2008 crisis, then through Covid-19, and adding the social media noxious dominance breeding low self-esteem, the onerous combination has deeply intensified anxiety and self-doubt, turning what should have been a phase of exploration into a period of emotional strain for many young professionals
Early instability leaves a lasting mark
Sanjay Desai, founder of ConsciousLeap, says, “Conventionally, the first few working years of a person shape their confidence, identity, and long-term ambition for anyone starting a career.”
For Gen Z, those years were disrupted by remote learning, missed internships and inconsistent early career pathways. Many didn’t have the chance to test themselves in stable, in-person environments before being judged on performance.
Layoffs and money worries fuel a hidden crisis
Behind many of Gen Z’s mental health struggles lies a simple but powerful trigger: money. “Rising costs of living, expensive urban housing and uncertainty about job security have left young employees feeling trapped in a cycle of ‘earn, spend, repeat’ with little room to save,” explains Sanjay. Financial concerns are one of the biggest drivers of stress for young workers.
This financial anxiety can appear as burnout, disengagement, sleep issues and constant fear of layoffs, even in those who still have jobs. It’s important for young adults to have accessible financial education, budgeting tools, micro-savings options, and employer-backed financial wellness programmes, which can give them a sense of control over their money and future.
Social media makes the pressure louder
Social media amplifies every insecurity. Constant exposure to peers’ promotions, “perfect” careers and curated lifestyles can make Gen Z feel like they are always behind. For a generation already worried about finances, this comparison culture can be dangerous.
Why surface-level wellness isn’t enough
Most employers now offer a mix of wellness apps, time-off policies, or mental health days. While helpful, but act as band-aids. Sanjay says, “This can ease symptoms without addressing the deeper emotional patterns like the fear of failure, low self-worth, financial panic, and difficulty handling uncertainty, that sit beneath Gen Z’s anxiety.”
The shift to deeper emotional skill-building
The adversities faced by the generation have inevitably triggered a counter – a new kind of awareness. Gen Z is more open than earlier generations to talking about mental health, seeking support and demanding emotionally intelligent workplaces.
To conclude, Sanjay says, “No mental health conversation is complete without psychological safety. Young professionals cannot ask for help if they fear judgement, gossip, or punishment. In many workplaces, this fear is still real.”This is why the crisis often remains “hidden” – visible in performance dips and quiet quitting but rarely named openly.
