KUALA LUMPUR: Over 60 per cent of Generation Z (Gen Z) workers cannot cope with work-related stress, leading to extreme burnout and often results in frequent job changes, a report said.
According to Utusan Malaysia, this situation indirectly causes labour shortages in various sectors, which in turn slows down industry growth.
Psychologist Prof Datin Dr Mariani Md Nor said the lack of competitiveness is one of the main reasons this generation experiences extreme burnout, ultimately limiting their potential for better achievements.
"Gen Zs must be competitive and resilient to face the real challenges of the outside world. Burnout is something everyone experiences, but the ability to overcome it depends on the individual.
"This generation, with their adaptability to current technological advancements, should utilise these tools to work more efficiently, unlike in the past when everything had to be done manually.
"If Gen Z develops resilience, they will also train their rational thinking skills," Mariani said.
According to a 2023 Business Insider report, Gen Z workers are likely to change careers at least three times throughout their working lives, and nearly two-thirds would leave their current employer within the next two years.
However, the Wellness at Work Report 2024 revealed that millennials were the most affected by burnout, with 69 per cent experiencing exhaustion, followed by Gen Z at 64 per cent.
Gen Z refers to those born between January 1995 and December 2003, while millennials are those born between January 1983 and December 1994.
Meanwhile, Mariani added that Gen Z's lack of physical and mental resilience leads to frequent job changes.
She said while salary is undeniably a factor in choosing a career, some switch jobs due to their inability to handle workplace pressure and if not addressed early, this group would continue to face burnout regardless of where they work.
"It's important to find solutions to the pressure they face, and they need a strong support system from family and friends," she said.
Addressing claims that Gen Zs are "spoiled" and resistant to criticism at work, Mariani explained that personality traits were often shaped by parenting and environmental influences.
"Some parents may spoil their children too much, which could lead to today's youth being easily triggered by criticism and unable to withstand pressure.
So, we cannot generalise any generation as being spoiled, as it largely depends on upbringing and surrounding influences," she said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Trades Union Congress president Mohd Effendy Abdul Ghani said Gen Zs grew up with many options, especially with access to vast information through technology.
He added that this generation was more prone to stress if they work in environments that do not meet their needs.
"Gen Zs often face pressure due to high job demands, expectations to balance life and work, lack of experience, and economic uncertainty. A competitive work environment, rigid work culture, and lack of growth opportunities also contribute to this stress," he said.