Mental health at work has never been talked about more than it is today, and that’s a good thing!
But it hasn’t always been this way. How we approach mental health across generations has been shaped by the world they grew up in, the workplaces they entered, and the resources available to them.
Understanding these differences is more than just an interesting history lesson. It’s the key to creating workplaces that support people at every stage of life and help different generations work together with empathy, trust, and mutual respect.
Baby Boomers (1946–1964)
Boomers grew up in an era where stoicism was prized, and stigma was high. Talking about mental health was rare, and in the workplace, loyalty and endurance were valued above personal well-being.
For example, many Boomers will recall being praised for “pushing through” stress or illness, with little support from their employer. Even today, some carry that mindset, making them less likely to seek help until problems become serious.
That doesn’t mean Boomers don’t value support; they do, especially as they face the challenges of retirement, health issues, and caregiving roles. But for workplaces, it often means offering clear, accessible options that feel safe and private.
Generation X (1965–1980)
Gen X entered the workforce during a period of change. Mental health conversations were still limited, but self-help, fitness, and therapy became more accepted.
They were the first to expect things like workplace wellness programs, even if these were basic by today’s standards. But Gen X also became the “sandwich generation”, often balancing the pressures of raising kids while caring for ageing parents. That creates unique stressors that workplaces sometimes overlook.
For example, a Gen X employee might be leaving early for school pick-up while also managing medical appointments for an elderly parent. Workplaces that provide flexibility and understanding are more likely to retain this highly skilled, experienced generation.
Millennials (1981–1996)
For Millennials, mental health became mainstream. Stigma dropped sharply, and therapy, coaching, and self-care were normalised. Millennials were also the first generation to openly expect employers to provide EAPs, flexible work, and wellbeing initiatives.
But Millennials also report some of the highest rates of anxiety and depression, often linked to rising debt, job insecurity, and the constant influence of social media. For example, many Millennials entered the workforce during or after the Global Financial Crisis, shaping a sense of instability that still influences how they view work today.
They’ve driven major change in how mental health is seen at work, pushing employers to do more than pay lip service.
Generation Z (1997–2012)
Gen Z is the most open generation yet. For them, mental health is part of identity, and they expect workplaces to provide genuine support, inclusivity, and balance.
They are quick to reject toxic workplace cultures, and unlike older generations, they won’t stick around and “tough it out”. They use therapy, peer networks, and online communities as normal tools for well-being.
For example, a Gen Z employee might be more comfortable asking for a mental health day than a Boomer or Gen X employee ever would. They see it not as a weakness but as a proactive step to avoid burnout. And they are vocal about wanting workplaces that walk the talk when it comes to wellbeing.
This openness is powerful, but it can also cause friction with managers from older generations who grew up with very different expectations. That’s why building bridges across generations is so important.
Why These Differences Matter
Each generation’s perspective is shaped by its time. Boomers were raised with silence and stigma, Gen X bridged old and new, Millennials pushed mental health into the mainstream, and Gen Z are demanding openness and change.
In today’s multigenerational workplaces, this mix can be both a strength and a challenge. Understanding where people are coming from helps leaders create more inclusive, supportive cultures.
Join Our Upcoming Webinar: Gen Z – Surviving the Workplace While Protecting Your Mental Wellbeing
To dive deeper into these ideas, join us for our next 30-minute lunchtime webinar on Tuesday, 7 October 2025 at 12.30pm.
Hosted by Strawberry Seed’s own Gen Z team member, Ella Kerr, alongside her Gen X boss, Carli Saw, this session will explore the unique challenges Gen Z face in today’s workplaces, and how they can stay mentally well while navigating different expectations.
Together, Ella and Carli will share practical strategies on:
- Setting healthy boundaries and avoiding burnout
- Balancing ambition with self-care
- Giving and receiving feedback
- Building positive relationships across generations
This webinar isn’t just for Gen Z. If you’re a manager, colleague, or simply curious about supporting younger generations, you’ll come away with insights to help you lead and collaborate more effectively.
Gen Z will leave with tools to thrive, and other generations will gain a better understanding of how to support them.
How We Can Help
At Strawberry Seed Consulting, we know that every workplace is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to supporting mental health. Our team can help you put practical strategies in place, whether that’s designing flexible policies, coaching managers, or building proactive wellbeing initiatives that actually stick.
Don’t miss our Mental Health Month free webinars on a range of topics, with one per week. Register to receive a recording and share it with your team!
We also run Mental Health First Aid training, with public courses open for booking now. MHFA gives you the confidence to recognise when someone is struggling, start the right conversation, and connect them to support, skills that are just as valuable in your personal life as they are at work. We can also deliver MHFA in-house, so your whole team builds these capabilities together. Click here to book your spot.
And because strong leadership is the foundation of a healthy workplace, we offer a range of public and in-house leadership training options, both online and in-person. These programs equip managers with the practical skills they need to support their teams, navigate challenges, and lead with confidence. You can explore our training options here.
If you’d like to talk about how your business can better support mental health and performance, get in touch today:
📞 (03) 4216 5200
✉️ info@strawberryseed.com.au
🌐 www.strawberryseed.com.au
