The pandemic has fundamentally changed how Generation Z approaches their health, especially in the workplace. According to the latest DAK Health Report released in Hamburg, more than half (54%) of employees under 30 are now significantly more cautious about infections compared to before the coronavirus pandemic. This shift signals a new health-conscious mindset among younger workers that is reshaping workplace behaviors across Germany.
Interestingly, despite their heightened caution, Generation Z’s overall sickness rate remains below the national average. The report reveals that while younger employees tend to experience illness more frequently, with 42% more sick cases compared to other age groups, they also tend to take shorter periods off work. This is largely due to their tendency to call in sick earlier to prevent symptoms from worsening; for example, 25% of workers under 30 are now more likely to stay home with mild cold symptoms like coughs or runny noses, compared to only 18% across all age groups.
This responsible approach to health among Gen Z is reflected in their sickness rate, which was 4.7% last year, about 13% lower than the 5.4% average for all employees insured by DAK. However, the report also notes that many young workers still push themselves to work while sick: nearly two-thirds (65%) admitted to working despite illness at least once in the past year, a slightly higher figure than the general workforce (62%).
Generation Z, defined as those born between 1995 and 2010, currently makes up roughly one-fifth of Germany’s workforce, with about 8.3 million workers under 30. The DAK study, which analyzed data from approximately 2.4 million insured employees and surveyed over 7,000 workers, also highlights another pressing issue: generational conflicts at work. Around 28% of young employees report experiencing tensions with colleagues from other age groups, especially in sectors like healthcare and education where such conflicts are most prevalent.
Workplace stress related to these conflicts is notable, with a quarter of affected young workers feeling significantly stressed by intergenerational tensions. Despite this, only 26% of Generation Z employees reported complete satisfaction with their jobs, a decline from previous surveys where 43% expressed full job satisfaction.
Volker Nürnberg, co-editor of the DAK Health Report, cautions against the stereotypes often applied to Gen Z. He emphasizes that with Germany’s demographic changes, fostering understanding rather than conflict between generations is critical. He also points to corporate health management programs as effective tools to improve workplace harmony and employee well-being.
As Germany continues to adapt to post-pandemic realities, the health-conscious attitudes of Generation Z and their unique workplace challenges will remain key factors shaping the future of work.
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