Generation Z workers are facing greater mental-health difficulties and increasing rates of chronic disease compared to other age groups, according to a new report by Sun Life Financial Inc.
The report, which drew data from more than 20,000 employers and more than three million plan members, found more than 50 per cent of gen-Zers’ long-term disability claims are for mental-health disorders, compared to roughly 40 per cent among all plan members.
Read: Survey finds 83% of gen Z frontline workers feel burned out
Gen Z’s antidepressant drug claims grew two-times faster than all plan members from 2021 to 2024. Notably, gen Z men’s use of antidepressants increased more than 50 per cent during the period, outpacing gen Z women and the overall plan member population.
Among gen Z women, mental-health disorders accounted for more than 60 per cent of their long-term disability claims and their use of mental-health therapy was twice as much as gen Z men. However, the report noted gen Z men’s visits to psychologists outpaced gen Z women and grew almost twice as fast as overall members.
While the incidence of chronic disease among gen-Zers remains much lower than older employee cohorts, the report found the prevalence of chronic disease among young Canadians is rising, noting by the time these employees reach middle age, chronic disease incidence could be significantly greater than for workers who are currently aged 40 to 59.
Claims for diabetes drugs grew two- to four-times faster among workers younger than age 30 compared to employees aged 30 to 60 and diabetes drug claims for gen Z women grew 40 per cent faster than their male counterparts.
Read: Gen Z employees focusing on well-being, flexibility: survey