In the contemporary workforce, we find ourselves in a unique situation where five generations of employees coexist, each raised in different eras with distinct expectations. This coalescence of generations has given rise to a complex and multifaceted challenge in the workplace—mental health. The future of work is undeniably intertwined with the well-being of its employees, as mental health concerns like stress, anxiety, and depression have become the leading causes of work absenteeism. Furthermore, the impact of workplace culture on employee mental health is profound, with a staggering 60% of workers asserting that their jobs are the most significant influencers of their mental well-being. It's worth noting that employees often perceive their managers as having more influence on their mental health than medical professionals, including doctors and therapists. Consequently, the expectation for employers to actively contribute to the enhancement of employee mental health is steadily growing.
The statistics also point to a generational divide in terms of well-being. Recent data from the American Psychological Association reveals that only 45% of Gen Z individuals believe their mental health is excellent or very good. A survey by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) indicates that 27% of Gen Z employees reported feeling depressed due to their jobs at least once per week over the past six months. This is in stark contrast to 18% of Millennials, 14% of Gen Xers, and 7% of Baby Boomers and Traditionalists.
However, these numbers might not capture the full scope of mental health experiences in the workplace, given the generational variations in expressing feelings and needs. Older generations, like Gen X, were often raised with the expectation to silently endure workplace challenges. They may feel uneasy when younger colleagues assert their needs and openly discuss their emotional well-being. As Gen Z enters the workforce, it brings with it a greater propensity for expressing feelings, including depression and anxiety. The struggle to manage this generational transition is palpable among older leadership.
Nevertheless, it is imperative for leadership to embrace this change. Christina McCarthy, the executive director of the nonprofit One Mind at Work, warns against dismissing the mental health discussions with Gen Z and younger Millennials as mere "feelings" instead of serious concerns deserving dedicated attention. She emphasizes that genuine progress in this area can only occur if people feel comfortable expressing their needs.
Jen Fisher, Deloitte’s U.S. Human Sustainability Leader, points out that misconceptions often cloud these conversations. Younger and older employees may wrongly believe that the other group doesn't understand their perspective, hindering productive discussions about real issues.
To foster better mental health and facilitate intergenerational dialogue, organizations can employ three key strategies:
1. Enhance Mental Health Literacy and Clarify Terminology: Organizations must help their employees develop a shared language concerning mental health in the workplace. A survey by the nonprofit Made of Millions discovered that 80% of managers lack confidence in addressing sensitive mental health and equity issues, fearing the use of inappropriate terminology. Unclear language and fear of saying the wrong thing are major concerns for effectively managing mental health conditions. To bridge this gap, organizations should provide mental health education and training to ensure that everyone can effectively communicate about mental health issues.
2. Create Supportive Spaces for Peers: While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, data indicates that peer support is valuable for promoting mental health across generations. Organizations can establish various peer groups based on shared life stages, age groups, or levels of responsibility. This approach allows employees to feel safer discussing their challenges and encourages openness.
3. Emphasize Personal Stories and Experiences: Personal stories are a powerful tool for connecting different generations and peer groups in discussions about complex topics such as mental health. Sharing personal experiences can reduce workplace anxiety and create empathy among employees. By creating structures within organizations that encourage meaningful contributions from all levels and facets of the workforce, leaders can foster better engagement on issues related to mental health.
출처 : 스피쿠스
기사 제목: 직장에서의 정신건강"
현대 직장에서는 다섯 세대의 직원들이 공존하고 있으며, 각기 다른 시대에 자란 이들은 서로 다른 기대를 가지고 있습니다. 이러한 세대 간 융합은 직장 내 정신 건강이라는 복잡하고 다면적인 도전을 야기했습니다. 직장 문화가 직원들의 정신 건강에 미치는 영향은 크며, 많은 직원들이 직장을 자신들의 정신 건강에 가장 큰 영향을 미치는 요인으로 보고 있습니다. 세대별로 정신 건강에 대한 인식과 표현 방식이 다르기 때문에, 직장 내에서의 정신 건강 경험을 전체적으로 파악하기 어려운 면이 있습니다. 그럼에도 불구하고, 리더십은 이러한 변화를 받아들일 필요가 있으며, 정신 건강에 대한 진지한 대화를 촉진하기 위한 세 가지 전략을 사용할 수 있습니다: 1) 정신 건강 문해력 및 용어 명확화 향상, 2) 동료 지원 공간 조성, 3) 개인적 이야기 및 경험 강조.
단어학습
- Generations (세대): 다양한 연령대의 집단. 각 세대는 특정한 문화적, 사회적 환경에서 성장하며, 그 결과 서로 다른 가치관과 기대를 가집니다.
- Mental Health (정신 건강): 사람의 정서, 심리, 사회적 복지 상태. 정신 건강은 스트레스, 우울증, 불안 등의 감정을 관리하는 데 중요합니다.
- Workplace Culture (직장 문화): 직장 내의 행동, 태도, 가치관 및 관행의 총합. 이는 직원들의 정신 건강에 큰 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다.
- Intergenerational Dialogue (세대 간 대화): 다른 세대의 사람들 사이의 의사소통. 이는 서로 다른 경험과 관점을 공유하고 이해하는 데 도움이 됩니다.
- Empathy (공감): 다른 사람의 감정이나 상황을 이해하고 공감하는 능력. 이는 직장 내에서 서로 다른 세대 사이의 관계를 강화하는 데 중요합니다.
영어 예문 (Example Sentences in English)
- Generations: "In our company, multiple generations work together, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences."
- Mental Health: "The company's wellness program focuses on improving employees' mental health through various activities and support."
- Workplace Culture: "Our workplace culture encourages open communication and collaboration, fostering a positive environment."
- Intergenerational Dialogue: "We held a workshop to facilitate intergenerational dialogue, aiming to bridge the gap between younger and older employees."
- Empathy: "Showing empathy towards your colleagues can create a more supportive and understanding workplace."
영어표현
- Coalescence of generations (세대의 융합): 다양한 연령대의 사람들이 하나의 집단 또는 환경에서 모이거나 혼합되는 것. 이 표현은 특히 직장과 같은 환경에서 다양한 세대가 함께 일하고 상호 작용하는 현상을 설명하는 데 사용됩니다.
- Staggering (놀라운, 경악스러운): 무언가가 매우 놀랍거나 예상을 뛰어넘는 경우를 나타내는 형용사. 일반적으로 크게 놀라게 하는 통계나 사실을 설명할 때 사용됩니다.
영어 예문 (Example Sentences in English)
- Coalescence of generations: "The coalescence of generations in our office has led to a unique blend of traditional and modern approaches to work."
- Staggering: "The staggering number of applications we received for the new position highlights the job's popularity."