The impact of flexible work environments on the mental well-being of gen Z employees : challenges and opportunities in modern workplaces

Abstract

This study analyses how flexible work environments affect the mental well-being of Gen Z employees, studying the challenges and opportunities they face. How young employees adapt to the flexible work environment is important for the workplace since work conditions as remote and hybrid, have evolved, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected through a structured questionnaire, and the re-search was conducted adopting a quantitative approach with a sample of Gen Z employees in various organizations. To assess the employee perception and to analyse data, descriptive statistics with mean and standard deviation were used.

The findings indicate that most Gen Z employees positively perceive a flexible work environment. Respondents reported that it helps to enhance their work-life balance, and job satisfaction offers greater time for self-care. Nevertheless, various challenges have also been identified, such as blurred boundaries between work and personal life, social isolation, and digital fatigue caused by excessive screen exposure. Furthermore, the results reveal the significance of organizational support, such as initiatives for mental well-being and open communication, to mitigate negative impacts.

Overall, the study concludes that while flexible work environments offer considerable benefits to Gen Z employees, organizations should also implement strong organizational strategies to enhance the mental health and well-being of employees.