A new study from Nuffield Health’s 2024 ‘Healthier Nation Index’ reveals a significant increase in social media usage and ‘doomscrolling’ among Gen-Z, with implications for mental health and workplace productivity.
The survey of 8,000 UK adults found that 16-24-year-olds are now spending over two hours per day on social media apps like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, an increase of 7 percent from the previous year.
Gen-Z’s social media usage now averages 128.5 minutes per day, nearly ten minutes more than last year and four times the recommended amount for improved wellbeing. Social media is widely used for entertainment, interaction, and news consumption, with 71 percent of young people using it to stay informed. However, the term ‘doomscrolling’—endlessly scrolling through negative news—has become common, particularly since the pandemic.
Impact on Sleep and Mental Health
A significant portion of Brits admit to using their phones within an hour of bedtime, leading to sleep disruptions and negative health impacts. Nearly a quarter of respondents identified screen time before bed as a major barrier to sleep, and 44.44 percent of young people reported that social media negatively affected their physical and mental health over the past year. The relationship between sleep and mental health is complex, but research indicates that inadequate sleep can heighten stress sensitivity and negative thinking.
Implications for the Workplace
Poor sleep and declining mental health can create a dangerous combination, particularly in the workplace. Employees experiencing these issues may overreact to stress and carry this stress into their personal lives, exacerbating sleep problems and potentially leading to anxiety or depression. These conditions can increase absenteeism and reduce productivity.
Strategies for Employers
Lisa Gunn, Mental Health Prevention Lead at Nuffield Health, offers several strategies for employers to address these issues:
- Recognise Unhealthy Habits
Employers should be vigilant for signs of social media addiction among young employees. These signs include constant phone use to procrastinate, frequent checking of notifications, monitoring of likes and shares, exclusive communication via social media, and regular photo or voice note sharing at work.
- Establish Workplace Policies
Creating and enforcing internet and social media policies can help set boundaries and reduce overuse during work hours. These policies should be included in employment contracts and communicated clearly to employees.
- Encourage Lifestyle Changes
Employers should promote activities that encourage employees to disconnect from their phones and engage in physical activity or relaxation techniques. Workshops on sleep hygiene and establishing a non-negotiable bedtime routine can also be beneficial.
- Promote Workplace Support
Providing access to emotional wellbeing support, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), can help employees manage the mental health impacts of social media use. It’s important for businesses to recognise that stress from social media can affect sleep and overall wellbeing.
By adopting these strategies, employers can help mitigate the negative effects of increased social media use, promoting a healthier and more productive workforce.
Amelia Brand is the Editor for HRreview, and host of the HR in Review podcast series. With a Master’s degree in Legal and Political Theory, her particular interests within HR include employment law, DE&I, and wellbeing within the workplace. Prior to working with HRreview, Amelia was Sub-Editor of a magazine, and Editor of the Environmental Justice Project at University College London, writing and overseeing articles into UCL’s weekly newsletter. Her previous academic work has focused on philosophy, politics and law, with a special focus on how artificial intelligence will feature in the future.
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