- Nearly half of Gen Z office workers say workplace stress has made them cry.
- Gen Z employees are turning to cinemas and fitting rooms to cope with soaring workplace burnout.
- 40% of young corporate hires in the UK's largest 2025 survey considered quitting within their first year.
- Workplace incivility incidents exceeded 208 million daily in US workplaces during early 2025.
- Research indicates that 61% of employees have felt they were 'thrown under the bus' at work.
- Younger adults report significantly lower wellbeing than previous generations.
- Many younger workers describe conventional nine-to-five jobs as "soul-sucking."
Nearly half of Gen Z office workers report crying at work due to overwhelming stress, prompting many to seek solace in cinemas and fitting rooms. This trend reflects a broader issue of workplace wellbeing among younger employees, who are increasingly dissatisfied with traditional corporate environments.12
According to a recent survey, 40% of young corporate hires in the UK considered quitting their jobs within their first year. This alarming statistic underscores the challenges faced by this generation, as they navigate a work culture that many describe as "soul-sucking."8
The stress is compounded by a staggering 208 million incidents of workplace incivility reported daily across US workplaces, contributing to a toxic environment. Research by Resume Now indicates that 61% of employees feel they have been "thrown under the bus" at work, with one in four claiming a manager deliberately set them up to fail.5
Social media has become a platform for Gen Z to express their struggles. Viral videos, such as one from TikTok creator Ben Sanderson, reveal individuals spending money on movie tickets not to watch films but to find a quiet place to sleep. Another TikTok user, @posh_vip, shared locations in New York City where stressed workers can cry in peace.
Overall, younger adults are reporting lower levels of wellbeing than previous generations, raising concerns about the future of workplace culture and mental health support for this demographic.7
“Nearly half of Gen Z office workers have been reduced to tears due to work-related stress, with many describing traditional nine-to-five jobs as 'soul-sucking.' Viral TikTok posts highlight their coping mechanisms, including napping in cinemas and seeking solace in fitting rooms during breaks.”
People Matters - HR News
