LEADERSHIP | EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT
Why mental health support is a priority
More than any other generation , centennials are not afraid to make mental health a workplace issue . According to Microsoft ’ s Work Trend Index , 51 % of Gen-Z employees are more likely to prioritise wellbeing over work and they want to work for organisations that do the same , which means companies , especially in the GCC , must ensure they make mental health a strategic priority . New research on workplace wellness in Saudi Arabia , for example , found that most workplaces ( 82 %) have no dedicated resources for mental health services , and more than half don ’ t provide health insurance cover for mental health . This comes as employee burnout in the region rockets , with recent McKinsey Health Institute research revealing levels of burnout here ( one in three employees ) are higher than the global average ( one in four ) and regional employees are also more than twice as likely to leave their jobs . McKinsey recommends employers look to not just destigmatise mental health issues , and eliminate toxic behaviour in the workplace , but offer employees improved access to psychological health resources . extremely aware of inequalities , and expect to be treated equally regardless of age , and so hold employers to high standards .
As a heavyweight employer of centennials , gulf executive and Kerten Hospitality CEO Marloes Knippenberg , believes Gen Zers choose an employer for their values , transparency , and commitment to future generations .
“ The Gen Z work purpose is to be loyal to their choices , to learn from them , and to remain unafraid when making a choice for the benefit of the planet and people . This is what drives them day and day out ,” says Marloes .
36 June 2023