Gen Z might be the generation of social media, but it's also the generation that's speaking out about the importance of mental health. According to a recent survey from TalentLMS and BambooHR, 82% of employed GenZ'ers want mental health days, and 42% would quit their job if they experience burnout or a lack of work-life balance. Dr. Natalie Dattilo, clinical psychologist and founder of Priority Wellness, explains the reasons behind this, and how others can put their mental health first, both at work and in their everyday lives.

Cheddar's News Wrap

Why Gen Z Prioritizes Mental Health in the Workplace

news wrap gen Z might be the generation of social media, but it's also the generation that's speaking out about the importance of mental health. According to a recent survey from talent LMS and bamboo. Hr 82% of employed jen's ears want mental health days, 42% would quit their job if they experience burnout or a lack of work life balance here. With more insight on this is dr Natalie Dattilo, clinical psychologist and founder of priority Wellness Natalie welcome to the show what is different about gen Z when it comes to prioritizing and of course, speaking about mental health. Well, when it comes to gen Z, it seems the message has finally gotten through which is that mental health is health and should be made a priority. What is gen Z doing to prioritize their mental health, especially when it comes to maintaining a work life balance. Because I have to tell you when I entered the workforce a good while ago, that was certainly not the case. They're doing a couple of things and the first is this generation is the first to consider mental health challenges to be normal and expected and something to take care of as opposed to be ashamed of. So the fact that they're speaking out about how important this is and prioritizing and even demanding the ability to take mental health days and to prioritize their mental health is a first of its kind, how can gen Z inspire other generations and I'm talking about the boomers, just even the older generations really didn't like talking about this. How can they make a difference for other generations? Well, the strength that it takes to reach out for help and for assistance when you're struggling is something that we should all embrace. Um, and the fact that we have good treatments available for things that are common like anxiety and depression, we have evidence based treatments that we know work and so encouraging our older generations to participate in that treatment. I think, you know, gen z is sort of leading the way, why is this change vital to the health and wellness of our country? Do you think this is going to change the landscape of mental health services in this country as we know it? I think the fact that gen Z is so outspoken about mental health is changing the landscape of mental health services and it requires us in the mental health field to step up and meet the demand, but also meet not just access to care, make sure that we're providing access to care because that's important, but really what's critical is access to quality care. So making sure that we're providing evidence based treatment that we know works for the most common problems Doctor, What tips do you have for those hoping to prioritize mental health, especially when it comes to finding a new job and a new employer. Okay, so there's important questions to ask and you shouldn't be afraid to ask those questions and do some research and let potential employers know that your savvy and you asked questions and you're interested in insurance um benefits. What kind of mental health insurance options are there? What is the culture around wellness? What are the ways in which this employer prioritizes wellness speaking with other employees, current employees, whether this is options through insurance, E. A. P workplace wellness activities, you'll get a sense of that just by asking current employees and making sure that you're communicating just how important that is to you doctor. Is it safe to say that the pandemic played a role on shining a light on this And do you expect this? I don't want to call it a trend but this behavior to continue. I do and I'm encouraged by that. Although the pandemic was a really stressful and traumatizing time for so many of us, it really shone a spotlight on mental health and the importance of taking care of our mental health um body mind and spirit. And so if we're able to continue that conversation going forward, then I think that that is a silver lining. You are a clinical psychologist. Have you seen have you noticed a difference when it comes to patients? And are they more open about talking to you and receiving these mental health services then let's say a few years ago I would say the demand for services have gone up when partially we're able to now offer virtual telemedicine tele therapy and so the ability to meet with a therapist online has made it a little bit more convenient for some people and reduce the barrier to access. And I think that overall that's been a net positive as well. What about jen's ears in school? Do we see that as a prioritization when it comes to our education system? I think we will, I think in the coming years, I think as we're understanding that gen z is being exposed to different stressors in their life that maybe we're not um uh adequately prepared to assist. I think moving forward, we're going to be paying better attention and making sure that we're providing really good quality uh mental health care services in schools, advice for parents of gen Z or as dr well um as a parent of a gen Z or myself, um I am encouraging conversation. So, talk with your jen's ear about the things that they're exposing themselves to online. It is one of the ways in which gen Z is experiencing different stressors than previous generations and keeping the lines of communication open and making sure that you're jen's ears are not feeling socially isolated, keeping them connected, keeping them active and keeping them interested. Dr Natalie, Dattilo, clinical psychologist and founder of priority wellness. We appreciate your time. Thank you doctor