The fear of the office is particularly pronounced among Generation Z, with nearly half (47%) experiencing strong anxiety on Sunday evenings ahead of the workweek, according to a study published on Wednesday.
Generation Z refers to those born between 1994 and 2010.
The WEconomy Generations Study 2024, commissioned by PwC Austria, SHEconomy and Ketchum, shows that only 66% of Generation Z find their work fulfilling, making them the most dissatisfied group. They also experience the most workplace stress, with 42% feeling burned out, compared to just 24% of baby boomers (born 1946-1964).
Baby boomers are much more satisfied with their work, with 88% saying they are happy. Only 14% of baby boomers feel anxiety before the workweek, compared to 22% of millennials (born 1980-1993) and 19% of Generation X (born 1965-1979).
A Wake-up Call
Barbara Redlein, Partner at PwC Austria, said the findings should serve as a wake-up call for businesses. “Companies must not only recognise the different needs of the generations but also take targeted action to foster intergenerational exchange,” she said.
The survey also found that 82% of respondents believe different generations can find better solutions together. Ninety-four percent respect the knowledge and experience of older colleagues, with baby boomers leading at 100%. However, Generation Z is slightly less inclined, with 90% agreeing. Despite this, 88% of all respondents view cross-generational collaboration as enriching.
Millennials ‘Most Popular’ in the Office
The study also shows that millennials are the most popular generation in the office, with 91% of respondents enjoying working with them. Generation X follows closely with 90%. However, Generation Z presents a more polarised picture. While 72% of younger workers are happy working with their counterparts, millennials are more sceptical, with 34% expressing reluctance to collaborate with Generation Z.
Economic Worries Increase Tensions
A key source of workplace tension appears to be economic uncertainty, which disproportionately affects younger generations. Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed are concerned about insufficient pensions, with millennials (76%) and Generation Z (68%) expressing the most concern.
In contrast, only 42% of baby boomers share the same worry. Overall, just 35% believe the pension system is fair, a figure largely influenced by the more positive views of baby boomers (64%).
Generational Divide in Work-Life Balance
There is a clear generational divide when it comes to work-life balance. Sixty-seven percent of Generation X and Generation Z cite the importance of maintaining a good balance between work and leisure, compared to 60% of millennials and 58% of baby boomers.
A significant 58% find receiving work-related emails over the weekend intrusive, particularly Generation X (64%). Baby boomers are less concerned, with just 48% finding weekend emails disruptive.
Prejudices Make Teamwork Harder
Respondents across all generations highlighted the challenges of working with colleagues from different age groups.
Thirty-eight percent cited frequent misunderstandings, while 32% identified age differences as a source of tension. Prejudices were found to be a major obstacle to effective collaboration. Some 37% of younger colleagues feel they are not taken seriously, with Generation Z particularly affected at 58%. Conversely, 30% said that prejudices against older colleagues hinder teamwork. Over half (52%) of respondents have felt underestimated because of their age, and 26% reported feeling discriminated against.
