Indian Millennials Are the Most Stressed Out Generation in the World, Survey Reveals!

From lifestyles to life goals and more, the Coronavirus pandemic has forced many of us to re-assess the way we live, think and work. As we continue to battle horrors induced by the virus, many are also using the new-normal to get a fresh perspective on living. 

According to Deloitte’s Millennial and Gen Z Survey 2021 for India, 91 per cent of Indian millennials and 84 per cent of Gen Zs feel that the pandemic has inspired them to take positive action to improve their own life. The survey compiled the responses of about 22,928 respondents around the world and here are some of their findings: 

The environment is No.1

The ongoing Coronavirus pandemic seems to have sensitised millennials and Gen-Z towards the plight of our planet. Many of the respondents admitted to making eco-friendly changes in their personal lives to live more green. The survey stated that the reduced carbon emissions during the lockdowns may have stoked an environmental optimism with almost half of the respondents (40 per cent) resolving to take personal action for environmental issues.

No work, work, work

The survey revealed that job loyalty among these two age groups is much lower than last year. More millennials and Gen Zs are likely to leave their employer within two years than last year — 36 per cent and 53 per cent respectively, compared to 31 per cent and 50 per cent in 2020.

Interestingly, with issues such as green-washing, unethical working conditions and harassment cases coming to light, MNCs and business conglomerates saw a steep decline in their popularity votes. Less than half of global millennials (47 per cent) and Gen Zs (48 per cent) think that businesses have a positive impact on society.

Stress and Indian Millennials

Among the respondents from 45 countries, the stress and anxiety levels among Indian millennials (49 per cent) is higher than the global average (41 per cent). Meanwhile, Indian Gen Zs feel as anxious or stressed as their global average (46 per cent).

While health, financial security, family and job security are the pressing factors contributing to stress, workplace stress and their employers’ efforts are also in the spotlight. About a third of respondents (millennials 31 per cent, Gen Zs 35 per cent) said they’ve taken time off work due to stress caused by the pandemic.

Apart from being more stressed out than their global counterparts, Indian millennials are also more vocal about their mental health issues. The Deloitte survey showed that more than 75 per cent of Indian millennials say that have openly spoken about stress with their employers, which is well over the global average. 

Indian youth faces more discrimination too

As per the survey, discrimination is personally experienced by Indian Millennials and Gen Z around twice more commonly than the global average. From racism to online bullying and nepotism, 60 per cent of Indian millennials and 50 per cent of Gen Zs say that they feel personally discriminated against frequently.

They are also more resilient than their global counterparts in personally trying to tackle discrimination. However, all the respondents across the globe seemed to agree that education systems have the greatest potential to address systemic racism.

“In a world where we talk of equal opportunity workplaces, it’s great that this generation is candidly telling us that the problem still persists. More importantly, it’s heartening that they are personally going to stand up for what’s right, as well as educate others to do the same. It bodes well for the future of work and society in general,” said SV Nathan, Partner and Chief Talent Officer, Deloitte India.