At the surface level, generational differences in mental health at work are apparent as each generation brings its unique set of values, experiences, and expectations to the workplace. Baby boomers, for instance, often prioritize job stability and traditional career paths, which can lead to stress when facing rapid changes or uncertainty. Gen X employees may struggle with balancing work and family responsibilities, resulting in heightened stress levels. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, tend to prioritize work-life balance, flexibility, and meaningful work, but they may experience anxiety related to the pressure to constantly perform, the job instability, or the fear of missing out. Understanding these generational dynamics is crucial for employers to create inclusive and supportive environments that address the diverse mental health needs of their workforce, fostering productivity, satisfaction, and overall well-being.

In this conversation, I speak with Melissa Doman who brings a fresh take on how organizations might bridge these gaps. Her two takeaways:

Move toward each other.
Explore differences to find agreement.

About Melissa Doman

Melissa Doman, MA is an Organizational Psychologist, Former Clinical Mental Health Therapist, & Author of Yes, You Can Talk About Mental Health at Work (Here’s Why And How To Do It Really Well). Melissa works with companies around the globe – including Google, Dow Jones, the Orlando City Soccer Club, Salesforce, and Estée Lauder. She’s been featured as a subject matter expert in Vogue, NPR, the BBC, CNBC, and LinkedIn’s 2022 Top 10 Voices on Mental Health. She has one goal: to equip companies, individuals, and leaders to have constructive conversations about mental health, team dynamics, and communication at work.