A third of young workers want mental health days to become standard, according to new polling that finds traditional workplace interactions now trigger more anxiety for Gen Z than the rise of artificial intelligence.
A survey of more than 1,500 people aged 16 to 29 by Trinity College London found that 32% believed mental health days should be a routine part of employment, while 28% said they would scrap the 9am–5pm schedule in favour of flexible hours.
Others cited salary transparency, no emails after 6pm and on-site therapy as changes they would make to improve working life.
Workplace anxiety topped by people, not tech
Despite widespread media concern about AI replacing jobs, the study found that everyday human interactions cause greater anxiety for many young employees. Around 42% said working with other people was their biggest source of stress, followed by 38% who were anxious about small talk and 30% who found phone calls difficult.
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More than a fifth said they feared being replaced by AI, but higher numbers reported struggling with in-person feedback, making presentations or even arriving on time. Respondents also expressed discomfort with traditional office culture, with half saying old-fashioned banter often felt inappropriate or offensive.
Eleanor Andressen, chief academic officer at Trinity College London, said Gen Z’s worries were closely linked to the very skills employers now value most. “Many of Gen Z’s workplace anxieties and the skills employers are increasingly seeking, from presenting ideas to accepting feedback, are exactly the skills that creative and performance education develops naturally,” she said.
The creative advantage
Those who had studied performance or creative subjects were more likely to feel confident presenting their ideas or speaking in group settings, according to the research. These respondents also felt more “work-ready” than peers without such experience.
The report suggested that drama and performance-based education helped develop soft skills that aligned closely with employer demands for adaptability, communication and collaboration — traits often considered lacking in younger workers.
Some secondary schools are now offering coaching in communication basics to better prepare pupils for phone interviews and in-person conversations. At Bacup & Rawtenstall Grammar School in Lancashire, for example, students are taught how to ring universities and manage the anxiety of speaking to admissions officers. The school’s scheme includes mock interviews and weekly workshops on writing emails and making calls in a professional setting.
Gen Z’s wishlist for workplace change
The survey also asked participants what changes they would implement if given the chance. Aside from mental health days and flexible hours, popular suggestions included inclusive policies, pet-friendly offices and fewer meetings. Just over one in 10 respondents said they wanted collaborative decision-making and decentralised leadership models.
While 61% of Gen Z said they would prefer to work from home, 59% said they found it difficult to work with colleagues from older generations, raising questions about how organisations can better foster cross-generational understanding.
Many participants reported disliking aspects of in-office etiquette such as forced enthusiasm or bans on wearing headphones. Nearly one in three said they feared having to assert themselves at work, and some admitted to feeling self-conscious about appearing unprofessional.
The research adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting employers may need to adapt onboarding and workplace culture for younger hires. While many firms have focused on digital fluency and job-readiness, observers say emotional and social confidence are often overlooked — yet critical to early-career success.
