Workplace Stress and Anxiety Remain Top Employer Concerns in 2025
For the second consecutive year, stress and anxiety related to work are identified as the most pressing concerns for employees, according to recent research by GRiD, the industry body for the group risk sector.
Generational views on work stress in 2025: Millennials most affected by work and finances; overall worry about health, home, and debt.
Generational Perspectives on Work-Related Stress
In 2025, a significant majority of employers across all age groups highlight work-induced stress and anxiety, such as overwork pressures and uncertainty about the future as their primary concern:
- Baby Boomers: 34%
- Generation X: 36%
- Generation Y (Millennials): 38%
Interestingly, when it comes to health and wellbeing issues outside of work, employers believe that Millennials are most affected by home-related stressors such as caring responsibilities and relationship challenges, with 43% viewing home life as their biggest health concern. Additionally, Millennials report higher stress and anxiety levels related to finances (42%) than those directly linked to work (38%).
Trends Compared to 2024
While work-related stress remains the leading concern, overall levels have shown a slight decrease from 2024 figures:
2024 Highlights:
- Baby Boomers: 40%
- Gen X: 40%
- Millennials: 44%
- Gen Z: 39%
Financial Stress and Debt Concerns
Although employers perceive a slight reduction in staff worries about finances this year, concerns over debt and financial wellbeing have increased across most generations from 2024 to 2025:
- Baby Boomers: from 18% to 25%
- Gen X: from 28% to 32%
- Millennials: from 35% to 42%
- Gen Z: steady at 33%
Employee Perspectives on Wellbeing
When employees were asked about their own main health and wellbeing concerns in 2025, responses varied by generation:
- Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials: primarily worried about serious illnesses such as cancer or heart disease.
- Millennials: also expressed concern about stress and financial anxiety.
- Gen Z: most concerned about stress and anxiety related to their work.
Supporting Staff Across Generations
GRiD’s ongoing research highlights that employee concerns are often multi-faceted; stress in one area of life can spill over into others. Employers don’t need to overhaul their support strategies annually, but they should regularly review and adapt their approach to meet evolving needs.
The Role of Employee Benefits
A comprehensive, inclusive benefits package remains essential. Core offerings like employer-sponsored life assurance, income protection, and critical illness cover provide a solid foundation to support staff’s physical, mental, financial, and social wellbeing across all generations.
Katharine Moxham, spokesperson for GRiD, emphasises: “Employees often face multiple challenges simultaneously, and these issues are interconnected. Employers should aim to provide consistent, supportive benefits for all staff regardless of age or life stage to help them navigate life’s pressures effectively.”
If you would like to discuss this further, please get in touch.