Millennial Anxiety in the Workplace

Numerous articles have been published about Millennials and anxiety in the workplace. One recent poll found that that 18-34-year-olds experience work-disrupting anxiety or depression at a rate of 30%, twice as much as the other age groups. The reasons are likely twofold. Millennials are more willing to talk about and ask for help with emotional issues than previous generations, and Millennials suffer from higher anxiety levels due to societal, social, and technological forces not experienced by older generations.

Colleges and universities have been providing mental-health services to Millennials for years to keep up with the demand, but the role employers play in helping young workers cope may be less obvious. Working with Millennials who display high levels of anxiety and the behaviors associated with anxiety (stress, depression, withdrawal and a lack of focus) is a very real problem for HR and managers. They lack awareness of this generation’s experience with stress and often react in ways that exacerbate the problem and are counterproductive. The result is missed work, increased attrition and decreased productivity.

Companies can successfully tackle this issue by learning how to lead effectively across the generations. Generational training teaches managers how to engage in meaningful dialog and workforce strategies that attract, grow and retain younger workers while simultaneously honoring the differences, needs and contribution of older workers. For more information on this training and other solutions for bridging the generational divide in your organization, visit my website or contact me directly