New Poll Shows Young Workers Crushed By Stress
The 2022 Work in America survey by the American Psychological Association reveals significant challenges faced by younger workers in today’s workplace. A notable finding is that nearly half (48%) of workers aged 18 to 25 feel their ideas are undervalued by older colleagues, compared to 32% overall and only 16% among those aged 65 and older. Additionally, 43% of younger workers feel self-conscious about their age at work, a sentiment less commonly shared among older age groups.
Feelings of loneliness are prevalent among younger workers, with 45% reporting such feelings at work, compared to 33% among those aged 26 to 43, 22% among those aged 44 to 57, and 15% among those aged 58 to 64. Stress levels are also notably higher among younger workers, with 48% of those aged 18 to 25 and 51% of those aged 26 to 43 feeling tense or stressed during the workday, compared to 42% of workers aged 44 to 57 and 30% of workers aged 58 to 64.
Arthur Evans Jr., CEO of the APA, highlighted the changing dynamics of the workplace, influenced by trends like delayed retirement and technological advancements such as AI and remote work. He emphasized the need for employers to invest in strategies that prioritize workers’ mental health and overall well-being to effectively navigate these shifts.
The survey also indicates a discrepancy between current work arrangements and employee preferences. While 59% of workers are currently working solely in-person, only 38% prefer this setup. Conversely, 24% have a hybrid schedule, but 34% would prefer it, and 17% work entirely remotely, with 28% preferring remote work. This reflects a growing desire among workers for flexibility and options in their work environments.
Psychological safety emerged as a crucial factor affecting workplace satisfaction. Employees who feel psychologically safe, where they can express themselves without fear of negative consequences, report higher levels of belonging (95% versus 69% with low psychological safety), comfort being themselves (95% versus 75%), and significantly lower perceptions of working in a toxic environment (3% versus 30%).
Looking forward, survey respondents expressed optimism about future work-life balance improvements, with 67% believing a four-day workweek will become standard in their lifetime. Currently, 22% of workers already enjoy a four-day workweek in 2024, up from 17% in 2023 and 14% in 2022. This reflects evolving expectations regarding work schedules and further underscores the need for employers to adapt to changing preferences among their workforce to foster a productive and supportive work environment.
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