Youngest Generations Struggling the Most With Remote Work

Employees younger than 30 are struggling with remote work and experiencing more stress in the wake of COVID-19 than their older counterparts, according to a meQuilibrium study of 7,000 employees.

“Remote work is hardest on young Millennials and Generation Z, because they feel less connected and [under] high pressure,” says Andrew Shatté, chief knowledge officer and co-founder, meQuilibrium.

The study found this younger group is more at risk for burnout and low motivation than older employees, who are more established and connected to their workplace. More than one-third (34%) are more worried about their success as compared to employees older than 30, and 15% are more concerned about their jobs.

In addition, 29% reported having more difficulty with motivation, more so than their older counterparts.

“The pile-on of pressures—financial challenges, worry about job loss and [worry about] the long-term cost to their careers—has Gen Z and young Millennials feeling under water,” says Shatté. “Remote work has made them feel less connected, less informed and missing out on the mentorship that young people need.”

Shatté says mentoring is a key factor in helping young workers cope with pandemic-related challenges. “The guidance of more established employees is especially helpful to workers experiencing high distress, and mentorship will continue to be an important element in places where remote work is here to stay and as we transition into a hybrid world and back into physical workplaces,” he says.