For Gen Z, passion fuels mental health at work. For boomers, security does: Indeed survey

New insights show Indian workers’ mental well-being at work is shaped by very different priorities across generations.

Gen Z (74%) and Millennials (68%) link happiness to passion and growth, while Gen X (54%) and Boomers (76%) prioritise stability and security.

Bangalore, 10th October – Ahead of World Mental Health Day, global hiring and matching platform Indeed has released new insights that show one in two Indian employees say they genuinely love their job. Only 53% of employees value truly loving their jobs, what keeps people happy, engaged, and emotionally well at work – a growing recognition that purpose and fulfillment matter as much as pay and stability.

Indeed’s survey reveals that for younger workers, mental health at work is strongly tied to loving what they do, while for older generations, stability and financial security play a greater role in reducing stress and ensuring peace of mind. According to the survey, over 30% of Indian employees have quit their jobs in the past year to take care of their mental health, and only about a third of companies surveyed offer mental health support, indicating that mental health resources matter, and when employees feel their well-being is supported, they’re more likely to join and stay with the company.

“People are more than their job titles, real mental health support meets them where they are in life,” says Saumitra R Chand, Career Expert at Indeed.

Generational divide on mental health drivers at work
Gen Z is the most purpose-driven, with 71% saying they strongly value loving their jobs. For them, mentorship, career growth, flexibility, and meaningful impact are essential anchors of mental health, and many are even willing to accept lower pay if it means greater satisfaction. Millennials follow closely, with 64% emphasising the importance of meaningful work and flexibility, though slightly less intensely than Gen Z.

Among Gen X, around 50% consider loving their jobs important. For this group, work is seen primarily as a responsibility and a way to support their families. Their well-being depends more on job security, steady income, respect, and stability than on passion. Boomers place the least emphasis on passion at work, with only 27% saying it matters. For them, financial stability, rewards, and social recognition are the main contributors to workplace mental health. The survey also discloses that over 59% of employees experience high or extreme stress at work, and the trends have seen a considerable increase over the last year.

“Over the years, people experience work very differently depending on where they are in life. For younger employees, it’s about feeling their work has purpose and impact. For more experienced employees, it’s about security and knowing their efforts support their families. If companies want to truly support mental health, they need to recognise that one size does not fit all,”  said Saumitra R Chand, Career expert at Indeed

The Economic Survey report, launched in January 2025 by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), reported how mental well-being is not just a personal issue but an economic one too. It discussed how factors such as work culture, long working hours, and lifestyle choices impact mental health and, in turn, worker productivity and the economy.

Why this matters for employers
With burnout, job-hopping, and work pressure increasingly influencing workforce dynamics, employee well-being has become a cornerstone of workplace strategy in 2025. Younger employees who lack purpose and job satisfaction are more likely to switch roles or even quit, while older employees seek stability and financial security to feel supported. Organizations are moving beyond token wellness incentives and investing in holistic health and well-being, including mentorship programs, financial wellness, stress management initiatives, and more to build healthier workplaces.

More than half of the employees surveyed reported that working remotely has improved their mental health. They strongly believe that flexible work options and reduced commute stress increase productivity. Remote and Hybrid working style has a more positive impact on mental health than traditional in-office roles. As India continues to navigate shifting workplace expectations, employers who recognise that mental health is experienced differently across generations will be best positioned to attract, retain, and support their people.

Methodology
This research was commissioned by Indeed and conducted by Valuvox in August 2025. The study surveyed 3,872 respondents, comprising 1,288 employers and 2,584 employees or job seekers across India. Representing 14 industries and multiple career levels, the findings offer a comprehensive view of workforce sentiment and shifting priorities around job satisfaction and mental health.