'Triple whammy': Gen Z works most unpaid, feels most stressed, least secure in jobs

Gen Z employees don't have it easy at work, despite their palpable enthusiasm and readiness to contribute more.

Younger workers, those aged 18-24 and 25-34 (both Gen Z and millennials), tend to work more hours of unpaid overtime by starting early or staying late and working over breaks and lunchtimes compared to their older colleagues. On average, they give eight hours and 30 minutes of free work per week, compared to eight hours and three minutes for those aged 35-44 years, seven hours and 28 minutes for 45-54 year-olds, and five hours and 14 minutes for those aged 55 and over, reveals The ADP Research Institute's annual People at Work Report.

However, they are not very hopeful about recognition for their efforts, indicates the study, which surveyed over 32,000 global workers on various workplace trends including pay expectations, remote work flexibility, mental health, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). 

Revealing some interesting data about Gen Z - the newest members of the workforce and having grown up with a workplace culture that is centered around remote work and virtual meetings, it questioned whether Gen Z will continue to go the extra mile if their efforts are not recognized with pay raises and bonuses.

Only half (50 per cent) of Gen Z workers expect to receive a pay raise in their current company in the next 12 months, which is similar to those aged 55 and over (49 per cent), whereas around two-thirds of all other age bands anticipate one. Similarly, only a third (33 per cent) of Gen Z workers believe they will receive a bonus, which is lower than their co-workers.

Gen Z workers also report being more stressed at work compared to other age groups, with an average of 13 times per month compared to 10 times for all workers.They are also the most likely to feel their work is suffering due to poor mental health (54 per cent) and stress (80 per cent).

Furthermore, feelings of job insecurity are highest among Gen Z workers, with 50 per cent of them saying they do not feel secure in their jobs, which is double the proportion of those aged 55 and over.

Despite these challenges, Gen Z workers are resilient and adaptable. The report found that one in five (20 per cent) of them have considered changing industries in the past 12 months, and 25 per cent have considered starting their own business.This is higher compared to younger millennials (aged 25-34), where 26 per cent have considered starting their own business.

By contrast, just over one in six over 55 (17 per cent) have mulled over early retirement. This trend has been called the "grey resignation" and has been exacerbated by the pandemic.