Gen Z isn’t just entering the workforce. They’re shaping it.
And they’re not afraid to ask:
“Is this job good for me?”
“Do I feel safe here?”
“Is this culture human — or just performative?”
At a recent roundtable with YoungCapital, we talked about what it really takes
to support Gen Z in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
The answer?
It’s not another ping-pong table or wellness webinar.
It’s presence. Clarity. And a whole lot of human connection.
Why Gen Z needs a different kind of support
Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) is now the largest demographic in many organizations.
They’ve grown up in a world of:
- Constant online comparison
- Global uncertainty
- Information overload
- A new kind of pressure to perform (and be perfect)
At the same time, they’re incredibly open-minded, purpose-driven, and hungry to grow.
But here’s the catch:
They’ll leave quickly if they don’t feel safe or supported.
They don’t want work to be their life.
But they want their work to mean something.
What Gen Z is telling us (if we listen closely)
In our roundtable with YoungCapital, we heard this loud and clear:
“Mental health is a non-negotiable.”
“I want to reflect, not just execute.”
“I want to feel like I belong.”
They’re asking for real conversations, clear structures, and room to breathe —
especially in fast-changing workplaces.
3 Pillars to keep Gen Z teams mentally strong
The companies who get this right don’t wait for burnout to happen.
They build well-being into the foundation:
-
Happy
They create space for joy, purpose, and growth — not just KPIs. -
Healthy
They talk about mental health early and often. Support is proactive, not reactive. -
Connected
They foster a sense of belonging, with community groups, young boards, and real listening.
These aren’t perks. They’re what makes work workable.
What HR & leaders can do right now
From our roundtable, here’s what’s working:
-
Train with care. Offer programs on energy management,
self-reflection, and leadership. -
Equip your managers. They set the tone.
Help them build cultures of trust and openness. -
Use coaching. One-on-one coaching helps Gen Z reflect, reset,
and grow — fast. -
Co-create. Bring them in early.
Young boards or employee councils work.
Want to see how it’s done?
On December 11, we sat down with Saskia Epping from YoungCapital
for a conversation about:
- What works (and what doesn’t)
- How they support teams under pressure
- How to keep Gen Z feeling connected in tough times
Final note
Supporting Gen Z isn’t about being perfect.
It’s about being present.
Again and again.
If you’re holding space for others — and wondering how to keep going yourself —
you’re not alone.
Every team is different. So let’s talk about what support could look like in yours.
Book a short intro call with us.
Inuka offers coaching that’s human, science-backed, and tailored to today’s reality.
