The kids are all grown up
Checking in on Generation Z
Another Bright Paper report brought to you by
Introduction
It wasn’t long ago that the “new” Generation Z was starting grade school. Times have changed. With their oldest members now approaching age 30, millions of Gen Zs are firmly entrenched in the workplace.
They’re also bringing a distinctive set of values and needs with them. Recently, we carried out research in many areas related to employee health and group benefits. These included:
Mental Health
Disease
Obesity
Climate
We found that in many areas, the impacts on Gen Z were pronounced. This report takes a closer look at Gen Z health needs and trends based on this recent research, and on our database of more than 20,000 employers and 3 million plan members.
Who is Gen Z?
Statistics Canada defines Gen Z as anyone born between 1997 and 2012. It’s a large cohort – almost seven million strong – trailing only millennials as a percentage of the total population.¹
Gen Z is already having an impact in the workplace. They currently make up almost 20% of working age Canadians and alongside millennials, they’ll make up the majority of the workforce by 2030.
Gen Zs have grown up in a fast-changing digital world, making them adaptable, creative, and comfortable with new technologies. They’re also the most culturally diverse generation. Through their own friend networks and social media, they have greater awareness of different cultures, ideas and issues than many in older generations.
What Our Data Shows
For mental health, our claims data aligns with other Canadian research that shows that younger Canadians are struggling with mental health issues.
Mental Health Research Canada found that 18- to 34-year-olds are most likely to say they’re experiencing high levels of:
Anxiety
14% versus 10% of the overall population.
Depression
11% versus 8% of the overall population.
FIGURE 1
Proportion of long-term disability claims that are mental disorders (new approved claims)
Plan Members
Gen Z
Gen Z Woman
Gen Z Man
FIGURE 2
Psychologist claims per covered plan member
2010
2011
2012
2013
Gen Z Health in Focus
Digital connectivity
This generation is digitally connected like no other. While social media plays an important role in helping Gen Z stay connected, it also contributes to negative mental health outcomes. Many Gen Zs report that social media fosters unrealistic comparisons, body image issues, and feelings of inadequacy. According to a recent study, 47% of Gen Z respondents said that social media was negatively impacting their mental health.⁵
COVID-19 lockdowns
While Gen Zs faced a low risk of severe illness due to COVID-19, the lockdowns disrupted their formative years, leading to reduced face-to-face interaction, isolation and developmental setbacks.
Climate anxiety and health impacts
Fear about environmental issues and the future of the planet weigh heavily on this generation. Our research found that almost half (47%) report experiencing climate anxiety (distressing, intrusive thoughts about the destruction of the natural environment, existential dread, sadness, anxiety and grief).⁶
Financial concerns
Gen Zs have faced record high rents and a rising cost of living at the start of their careers. They also carry higher levels of student debt and are more likely to experience precarious employment. Over half report experiencing anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges due to financial stress.⁷
Why do women have higher claims for mental health support?
Studies show that the rates of mental disorders between women and men are similar. Where the differences often lie is in the types of mental disorders and the coping mechanisms each gender uses.¹¹
Men
Studies show that the rates of mental disorders between women and men are similar. Where the differences often lie is in the types of mental disorders and the coping mechanisms each gender uses.¹¹
Woman
Studies show that the rates of mental disorders between women and men are similar. Where the differences often lie is in the types of mental disorders and the coping mechanisms each gender uses.¹¹
Financial concerns
Gen Zs have faced record high rents and a rising cost of living at the start of their careers. They also carry higher levels of student debt and are more likely to experience precarious employment. Over half report experiencing anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges due to financial stress.⁷
Climate anxiety and health impacts
Gen Zs have faced record high rents and a rising cost of living at the start of their careers. They also carry higher levels of student debt and are more likely to experience precarious employment. Over half report experiencing anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges due to financial stress.⁷
COVID-19 lockdowns
Gen Zs have faced record high rents and a rising cost of living at the start of their careers. They also carry higher levels of student debt and are more likely to experience precarious employment. Over half report experiencing anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges due to financial stress.⁷