According to GRiD’s research, the industry association for the group-risk sector, stress and anxiety at work are the top concern of employers for their employees for the second consecutive year.
Employers cited stress and anxiety at work (such a pressure to overwork or uncertainty about the future) as the main concern of three of four generations of workers in 2025:
- Baby-boomers: 34%
- Gen X: 36%
- Gen Z: 38%
Gen Y
Employers believe that stress related to home life, such as managing difficult relationships and caring for children, is the biggest health and wellbeing issue for Millennials (Gen Y). Millennials (Gen Y), at 43%, are the most concerned about their health and well-being. They also have more anxiety and stress in relation to money (42%) than stress related to work (38%).
Comparison with 2024
The biggest concern of employers this year is stress and anxiety at work. However, this is lower than it was in 2024 when this was the case for 40% of employers with Baby-boomers.
Financial stress and anxiety
It is interesting to note that, although employers do not believe their employees are as concerned about debt and finances this year, compared to other health issues, this concern has increased significantly between 2024-2025 for three generations.
- Baby-boomers 18% in 2024 and 25% in 2025
- Gen X: 28 % in 2024 and 32 % in 2025
- Gen Y (Millennials: 35 % in 2024; 42 % in 2025)
- Gen Z: 33% by 2024 and 33% by 2025
Employee Views
When asked about their greatest concerns about their health and well-being, Baby-boomers, Gen X, and Gen Y (Millennials), all cited serious ill health (such as heart disease or cancer) as their top concern. Millennials were also concerned with stress and anxiety relating to debt and finances, while Gen Z was most concerned with stress and anxiety pertaining to their job.
GRiD Research has been tracking generational trends since many years. Employers’ and employees’ concerns change annually, and they are often influenced by external factors. However, employers’ approaches to supporting their staff do not have to be radically different from year to year. Employers should ensure that employee benefits are inclusive and comprehensive, and designed to help all employees with a variety of issues.
Employee Benefits for All Generations
GRiD acknowledges that certain employee benefits can tailored to specific groups. However, it is wise to maintain a standard offering that meets the needs of the majority of employees the vast majority of the time. This foundation is provided by group risk benefits, such as employer-sponsored critical illness, income protection and life insurance. These benefits, which have been around for a long time, are a great way to support employees of all generations in terms of their physical, mental, financial and social well-being.
Katharine Muxham, spokesperson of GRiD said: “Employees face many challenges at once, and they are not isolated, because stress in one part of life affects other areas.” Employers should support all employees, regardless of age or concerns.
The original HR News article Stress in the workplace is still a major health and well-being issue for most employees (GRiD Research) appeared.
