As the largest generation in history, Gen Z is shaping the future of our societies, economies and businesses. They are self-driven, collaborative and deeply diverse. They value authenticity, flexibility and practical solutions to complex challenges. Yet, Gen Z is often misunderstood.
They are hyperconnected and creative, with a keen awareness of the world’s problems — from climate change to inequality. But this constant engagement comes at a cost, and we are only beginning to understand its impact on their mental health.
A new audience perception study from the UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health reveals an urgent reality: while Gen Z is informed and passionate about change, they are also overwhelmed and under-supported. It’s a wake-up call for all of us to listen more deeply, respond more meaningfully and act with purpose.
The mental health toll of a hyperconnected world
The findings of our study are both sobering and galvanizing. Gen Z consumes more news than any other generation, driven by a deep sense of responsibility to shape a better future. But the constant exposure to global crises, whether through news, social media or lived experience, is emotionally exhausting.
Six in 10 Gen Z respondents report feeling overwhelmed by global events. Those most affected are also the ones reporting the lowest levels of well-being and empowerment.
This is not just a youth issue – it’s a societal one. Overwhelm erodes mental health, which in turn weakens agency. But it’s not Gen Z’s job to fix a broken system alone. Many young leaders are deeply frustrated by the inertia of those in power. What they are demanding is intergenerational accountability: shared responsibility, bold leadership and the tools to act, not just talk.
There is good news. Gen Z is breaking the silence around mental health. They are more fluent in mental health discourse than any generation before them. But stigma persists. And despite their awareness, only half feel confident in knowing where to seek help or believe their current coping strategies are truly effective.
Gen Z wants in on solutions
Perhaps the most powerful insight from the study is this: Gen Z isn’t asking others to solve the problem for them. They want to co-create and lead together. They see mental health as a collective responsibility and are calling for a seat at the table — at the head of the table — alongside business, government and civil society.
They’re already doing the work by supporting peers, co-creating solutions and demanding more than performative allyship. What they need is for every sector, especially business, to step up and stay in.
A mental health business imperative
Youth mental health is not just a moral and social imperative; it’s also a business one. A healthy, empowered Gen Z means a stronger, more innovative and productive workforce. It means more resilient communities and stable economies. Companies that invest in mental health and wellbeing are already seeing returns like better retention, increased trust and stronger performance among younger workers. Over 60% of Gen Z consider mental health support a key factor in choosing an employer.
This is why businesses must listen to not just the data, but to the lived experiences. Understanding perception is the first step toward impact. Engaging Gen Z on their terms and amplifying their voices enables the design of human-centered, empathetic solutions that truly work.
5 actions for business leaders
The youth mental health challenge is undeniable, but so is the opportunity for businesses to be part of the solution. Here’s how leaders can drive meaningful impact:
1. Make mental health a business imperative
Mental health is not a side issue. It’s a strategic priority. Just as businesses prepare for supply chain disruptions or cyber threats, they must address mental health risks that impact workforce performance, productivity and resilience.
2. Invest in prevention and early support
Early intervention can change lives and futures. Businesses can fund and champion programmes that build resilience in children, youth and families before mental health challenges escalate. This includes supporting community, school and digital-based prevention efforts that reach young people where they are.
3. Scale proven solutions
We know what works, and now we need to scale it. By partnering with credible organizations at local and global level, businesses can help expand access to evidence-based mental health and psychosocial support across health, education and social systems — especially in underserved regions.
4. Champion evidence and policy change
Business has influence. Use it. Support the generation of local, actionable evidence to inform what works. Advocate for stronger mental health laws, rights-based policies and stigma reduction initiatives that enable lasting systems change, both nationally and globally.
5. Empower the next generation
Young people are not waiting — they’re leading. And ensure those platforms tackle the structural determinants of mental health: job security, discrimination, burnout, and unequal access to opportunity. Mental health support must be embedded in organizational systems, not tacked on as a symbolic gesture.
Partnering for progress
At UNICEF, we’ve made real progress. Since 2017, the number of countries where we deliver community-based mental health and psychosocial support has more than doubled — from 58 to 130. This expansion is the result of strong, purposeful partnerships — including those within our Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, the largest private sector alliance of its kind.
Together, we are breaking stigma, building prevention, scaling access and strengthening advocacy. But progress is not enough. The funding gap is vast — youth mental health remains one of the most underfunded areas in global development, with a staggering $200 billion shortfall. At UNICEF alone, we urgently need $312 million to sustain and expand our work in 130 countries.
When partners join this movement, they are not just funding programmes. They are also helping shape the future. They are backing bold solutions, supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring that mental health is no longer treated as a crisis to manage, but as a foundation for progress.
Gen Z is not waiting. They are already leading — resilient, creative and determined to drive change. Let’s meet them with the systems, tools and solidarity they deserve. Let’s work together across sectors and across borders to build a world where every young person can thrive.
Zeinab Hijazi, Global Mental Health Lead, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
This article is republished from the World Economic Forum under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.