JUGGLING work-life balance, presenting in front of people – and not drinking enough water are among the things giving Gen Z the most anxiety at work.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 26 per cent of under-24s worry about a lack of organisation – but this only affects 10 per cent of workers over 55.
A young woman staring at her screen at work[/caption]
And just five per cent of young workers said nothing gives them any workplace anxiety, compared to 40 per cent of people who have been working for decades.
Not being able to get tasks done on time, having to have difficult conversations with a manager and even simply looking the part also leave Gen Z employees filled with workplace worry.
It also emerged Sunday evenings are among the most common times to suffer the dread of what’s to come for 18 per cent of young workers, while 20 per cent said the same of Monday mornings.
A spokesperson for Google’s AI Assistant, Gemini Live, which commissioned the research, said: “Many of us experience ‘the fear’ before a big work week, with many finding organisation and planning as the source of their stress.
“AI assistants are perfectly poised to take on these problems and help quell the anxiety that comes with the modern 9-5.”
The study also found just 45 per cent of Gen Z workers feel they have a good work life balance, compared to 58 per cent of millennials and 61 per cent of those in their last decade of work.
But in a bid to ease the fear about the week ahead, 46 per cent of Gen Z try to make sure they plan their days, with 13 per cent turning to AI to help them manage tasks more effectively.
In comparison, just two per cent of over 55s rely on the modern technology to help their workflow.
A quarter of Gen Z workers also take regular breaks and 17 per cent will talk to friends and colleagues to share their worries.
When asked how an AI tool could help ease their work-related anxiety, workers under 25 favoured personalised relaxation plans featuring breathing exercises, meditation, and to-do lists to organise tasks ahead of time.
And 40 per cent would turn to the technology to help create meal plans or snack schedules.
Digital creator and entrepreneur, Caspar Lee, who has teamed up with Google’s Gemini Live, said: “Navigating the modern workplace can be challenging, especially at this time of year when burnout is at its peak.
“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by deadlines, presentations, or even choosing the right outfit for an important meeting.”
TOP 10 THINGS THAT GIVE GEN Z THE FEAR ABOUT WORK:
1. Not getting tasks done on time or at all
2. Not being able to juggle work/life balance efficiently
3. Not having enough time to focus on the work that is most meaningful
4. Not being prepared or organised, or having to navigate a quick change of plan
5. Having to solve difficult problems for others
6. Not being healthy or drinking enough water
7. Not looking the part
8. A presentation in front of anyone
9. A big presentation in front of a room of senior people
10. Having to have a difficult conversation with my manager
CASPAR LEE’S TIPS TO BEAT THE ‘SUNDAY SCARIES’
1. Start with a Pre-Work Ritual: Kick off your day with a simple routine – grab a healthy breakfast, plan your tasks, and take a few deep breaths. A bit of consistency goes a long way in tackling stress, helping you feel more in control and ready to take on whatever the workday throws your way.
2. Get Clear on Your Expectations for the Week: Start each day or week by using Google’s Gemini Live to curate a personal to-do list that clarifies your top priorities and organises tasks by importance – less guesswork, less stress, all by just having a conversation with Gemini! Simply tap the voice icon on the Gemini app and ask for help. With a clear, prioritised list, it’s easier to stay focused and feel confident you’re meeting expectations.
3. Get Moving: Shake off the workday stress by adding some movement to your routine. Use your lunch break for a quick walk or, if time permits, take short exercise breaks throughout the day. A bit of activity can help you blow off steam, boost your mood, and feel more energised.
4. Fuel Your Focus with Smart Snack Planning: Staying energised through a busy day is crucial. Using AI you can create a snack or meal plan, with new ideas that don’t get boring, that still aligns with your nutrition goals, so you stay sharp without having to think about last-minute options. Out and about and need some inspiration for quick healthy snacks? Ask AI.
5. Conquer ‘What-to-Wear’ Worries: Choosing an outfit shouldn’t be a source of stress. Get personalised wardrobe ideas based on your schedule, the weather that day, and the day’s activities, so you can dress confidently and focus on your goals, not your wardrobe.
Caspar Lee speaking to the AI Gemini at work o help with managing workload effectively[/caption]
AI assistants are perfectly poised to take on these problems and help quell the anxiety that comes with the modern 9-5[/caption]
Caspar encourages everyone to start each day or week by using Google’s Gemini Live to curate a personal to-do list that clarifies your top priorities and organises tasks by importance[/caption]
AI assistants are perfectly poised to take on these problems and help quell the anxiety that comes with the modern 9-5.[/caption]
