Gen Z frontline workers are drowning.

It’s a serious issue for HR teams and organisations.

A study of nearly 13,000 frontline staff and managers found that:

• Three-quarters of frontline employees across all generations feel burned out.
• 72% of Gen Zers say workplace interactions have worsened their mental health.
• More than half of all frontline employees would prefer more time off over a pay increase.
• Workplace flexibility is frontline employees’ #2 factor in choosing an employer.

(Source: UKG, Oct 2024)

Generation Z employees are our youngest generation of workers, born 1997 – 2012. Over a third (36%) of these young frontline workers said they’re seriously thinking of quitting because it’s eroding their mental and physical health. (People Management, Nov 2024). A huge 58% would choose extra holiday over a pay rise. For 29%, they’d swap a promotion for another week off. (UKG)

Gen Z is the future of our business growth. These research results are scary.

A Serious Challenge for HR

Burnout is a serious issue, especially on this large scale. It’s a problem that HR managers and business owners simply must face and resolve.

Why is it happening? One main theory is that Gen Z entered the workforce expecting flexibility, well-being initiatives, four-day weeks … mainly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The harsh truth is that frontline work often falls short of these expectations. Employers are increasingly bringing teams back to the office. Business growth means longer work weeks are needed to meet demand. Commuting reduces flexibility and disrupts work-life balance. In summary, the reality of working simply isn’t meeting Gen Z’s expectations.

What Gen Z Workers Want

Gen Z employees know exactly what they’re looking for:

• authentic purpose,
• genuine connection, and
• the potential to progress.

Without those pieces, frontline work feels draining and uninspiring. Gen Z has no hesitation in recognising and calling out burnout. Nearly three-quarters of frontline employees say negative interactions at work have hurt their mental health. (UKG)

Recognition is non-negotiable. This is a generation raised on instant feedback. Likes, comments, reactions … they are used to constant signals that their voice matters. Remove those indicators and Gen Z employees start feeling overlooked, undervalued and disconnected from their work.

Understanding what Gen X workers really want is key. It’s vital to enable businesses to manage expectations. More than half (52%) of Gen Z employees report that they are actively job hunting. (Financial Management, Oct 2025) Retaining employees avoids unnecessary recruitment and training.

How can HR Services Help?

‘It’s crucial to support all workers and to recognise that solutions for Gen Z workers may be different to the traditional support already in place,’ says Emma Clack of Heneom HR services based near Stevenage and Welwyn, Herts. ‘Frontline workers need to feel seen. The solution is not simply financial. Flexible working, mental health resources and meaningful recognition are all essential ingredients.

Emma adds: ‘Managers need to step up, going beyond regular check-ins, making sure they really connect with each person in their team. They need to give feedback and celebrate wins. Offering moments of acknowledgement – however small – can make a huge positive difference.’

Talk to the team at Heneom HR. From working on retention to helping with recruitment, we’ll support you every step of the way. Start with an initial discussion without obligation. We’re here to help.