Gen Z Workers Face Record Stress, Survey Shows

A Jobstreet by SEEK survey of Filipino employees found that Gen Z workers aged 18 to 29 have the lowest workplace happiness in the Philippines, with only 76% reporting satisfaction and 39% saying they often dread going to work. The study highlighted high levels of stress and emotional exhaustion among this generation, prompting calls for more flexible work arrangements and purpose‑driven roles.

In the United States, anecdotal reports describe Gen Z office staff seeking refuge from workplace pressure by napping in movie theatres, subway stations and even fitting rooms. One New York employee spent $15 on a cinema ticket solely to use the reclining seat for a 90‑minute nap, saying it was the "best nap of my life." These stories illustrate a broader trend of young professionals coping with intense job stress through unconventional break‑time escapes.