A recent Gallup poll conducted with 2,271 young adults in the U.S. between ages 12 and 26 has uncovered that the primary source of happiness among Gen Z is a sense of purpose at school and work. The survey found that those who are happy feel that they do something interesting every day and are motivated to attend work or school. On the other hand, those who are not happy are much less likely to feel that their work and school tasks are important. This indicates a disconnect and highlights the importance of feeling purposeful and motivated in daily activities.
According to Gallup senior education researcher Zach Hrynowski, there has been a shift in the workplace away from traditional measures of success among newer generations. Gen Z and millennials are more focused on factors such as feeling of purpose, making a difference in the world, and opportunities for growth over earning more money and getting promotions. The feeling of purpose seems to be a critical element for happiness not just at work or school, but in various aspects of daily life as well.
Apart from a sense of purpose at work and school, the survey also identified other drivers of happiness for Gen Z which include feeling secure and rested in their personal lives, fulfilling basic needs such as having enough time to sleep and relax, and feeling loved, supported, and connected to others. However, social pressures also play a significant role in happiness as Gen Zers who spend a lot of time comparing themselves to others are less likely to report feeling happy and are more prone to anxiety.
While around 73% of Gen Zers consider themselves at least somewhat happy overall, this percentage decreases as they enter adulthood. Adult Gen Zers with post-secondary education, are married, or have children tend to be happier. However, in the LGBTQ community, Gen Z adults are 16% less likely to report being happy compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Gallup plans to further survey LGBTQ Gen Zers to delve deeper into understanding their unique experiences and challenges.
Educational psychologist Dr. Michele Borba emphasizes the importance of finding a purpose as a significant factor in overall well-being and mental health. Helping teens identify something that truly matters to them can have a positive impact on their sense of direction, goals, and motivation in life. By connecting adolescents to something bigger than themselves and empowering them to take action, parents and adults can foster resilience and optimism in the younger generation. Encouraging teenagers to pursue what they are passionate about and supporting them in their endeavors can lead to increased well-being and a sense of meaning in life.
