Gallup Survey Uncovers Growing Anxiety Among Gen Zers About Future in Work and School

Gen Zers are experiencing increasing anxiety, especially about work and school, despite a reported 73% being happy. The Gallup survey found that older Gen Zers are less happy than their younger peers. A significant number of young Americans are feeling disconnected from work and education, contributing to these feelings of anxiety and unease. This suggests that Gen Z is facing challenges in finding purpose and satisfaction in their daily tasks, with implications for their overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

• A Gallup survey reveals that Gen Zers are increasingly anxious, particularly about work or school.
• Despite 73% of Gen Z respondents reporting happiness, older Gen Zers are less happy than their younger peers.
• Young Americans are more likely to be disconnected from work and education than in recent years.
• Happiness levels are higher for Gen Z adults with postsecondary education, marriage, and children.
• US employee engagement has dropped to its lowest level in over a decade, with Gen Z employees feeling less connected to their company's culture.

News Content

A new Gallup survey reveals that Gen Zers are grappling with increasing levels of anxiety, particularly about their future in work and school, even though 73% of them report being happy. The study indicates that older Gen Zers are less happy than their younger counterparts. The survey also found that young Americans are facing more disconnection from work and education than in recent years, with significant financial concerns contributing to their anxiety. Additionally, a rise in "disconnected youths" in the 18 to 24 age group has been reported since 1998, leading to decreased college enrollment rates and a slightly tougher job market for Gen Z.

The survey sampled 2,271 Gen Zers and highlighted that those with postsecondary education, marital status, and children tend to have higher levels of happiness. However, feelings of significance and purpose are lower among older Gen Zers, indicating a growing struggle for purpose in school and work. Overall, the study reflects a challenging landscape for Gen Z, with concerns about financial stability and a declining sense of engagement in school and work.

Analysis

The increasing levels of anxiety among Gen Zers, as revealed in the recent Gallup survey, can be attributed to various factors such as financial concerns, disconnection from work and education, and a decline in the sense of engagement in school and work. This has implications for educational institutions, employers, and mental health organizations. In the short term, there may be decreased college enrollment rates and a tougher job market for Gen Z, while the long-term consequences could include a potential impact on the future workforce's productivity and mental well-being. Countries and organizations may need to adapt policies and support systems to address these evolving challenges.

Did You Know?

• Disconnected Youths: Refers to individuals in the 18 to 24 age group who are experiencing higher levels of disconnection from work and education compared to previous years. This trend has led to decreased college enrollment rates and a slightly tougher job market for Generation Z.
• Postsecondary Education: Indicates education beyond high school, such as college or vocational training. The survey highlighted that Gen Zers with postsecondary education tend to have higher levels of happiness.
• Purpose in School and Work: The study indicates that older Gen Zers are experiencing lower feelings of significance and purpose in their education and careers, reflecting a growing struggle for purpose in school and work.