Generation Z, which will soon make up the majority of the U.S. workforce, faces higher levels of stress and less social support—factors that could directly impact productivity, turnover, and labor costs, according to the 2025 Quality of Life Trends Report prepared by Humankind in collaboration with NORC at the University of Chicago.
The study, based on a national sample of 1,121 adults, shows that 79% of young employees report that stress interferes with their performance, affecting their ability to concentrate, make decisions, and stay motivated. The main contributing factors identified include sleep issues, eating habits, and financial stress—the latter considered a key distraction in the workplace.
In addition, nearly half of working-age adults have two or fewer trusted individuals to turn to in a crisis, while one in ten workers under 44 lacks any support network at all.
“Employees’ financial and emotional well-being directly influences their ability to create value. Companies have the opportunity and responsibility to intervene before stress erodes engagement and productivity,” said Jaclyn Wainwright, co-founder and CEO of Humankind.
The report emphasizes that traditional models of passive benefits no longer meet the needs of a younger, more diverse workforce. Organizations will need to embrace proactive and personalized financial and emotional wellness strategies in order to retain talent and optimize operational performance in an increasingly competitive landscape.
