Can Gen Z Men’s View of Mental Health Improve Workforce Retention and Productivity?

New research from The Standard reveals that more Gen Z men are taking mental health leave than men of any other generation in the workforce.

PORTLAND, Ore. — Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) The Standard’s latest research, Mental Health in the Workplace: Will Gen Z Men Shrink the Stigma?, explores whether the attitude of Generation Z men could lead to greater acceptance of mental health leave for men of all ages.

Gen Z Men Prioritize Mental Health

Young men are bucking the mental health stigma. Research from The Standard shows one in five men ages 18 – 26 have taken leave to address their mental health challenges. That’s higher than any other generation in the workplace and it might signal a cultural shift.

Younger Generations Are Leading the Way

The trend isn’t limited to Gen Z. While 20% of Gen Z men take mental health leave, millennials aren’t far behind at 14%, with Generation X at 11% and baby boomers at 6% — each generation is more willing than the last.

The rates of mental health leave between Gen Z men and women represent another compelling finding. The two groups are taking time off for mental health at the exact same rate — a departure from women typically taking more leave. It’s yet another sign of the growing importance of mental health and leave benefits for the well-being of an employee population.

Untreated Mental Health Hurts Employees and Employers

Neglecting mental health comes at a cost. When an employee struggles, it can take a toll on their well-being long before they request leave. But the impact isn’t only personal. An employee’s suffering can lead to poor attendance, productivity and engagement.

If that employee is Gen Z, there’s a better chance they’ll take leave. But if they’re a Gen Z man, they’re 35% less likely to come back to work than the women in their cohort. With greater willingness to prioritize mental health also comes another reality — not everyone is going to return.

Gen Z Men Could Be the Key to Change

Stigma can hold men back from learning about or utilizing the mental health benefits available to them. Employers who want to realize better mental health outcomes will have to confront the struggle to reach men. Working with Gen Z men could offer useful insight into overcoming these barriers, including what language to use to reach men from other cohorts.

Ensuring resources are accessible is also important. Applying a mental health lens the next time you review your benefit portfolio might reveal opportunities to upgrade support. Nathan Whiteley, vice president of Absence and Disability Services at The Standard, says, “Easy access to providers, employee assistance programs and benefits that help workers return to work, or even stay while they receive treatment, are ways to help meet the needs of your employees.”

The workforce isn’t waiting for employers to catch up. More Gen Z men are already taking mental health leave, and in too many cases, not coming back. They’re also signaling what they expect in terms of support. Employers that treat mental health as a cultural issue — not just a benefits checkbox — will have an edge in employee retention and engagement.

For more insights on this topic, visit Mental Health in the Workplace: Will Gen Z Men Shrink the Stigma?

Survey on the Evolving Landscape of Women and Money

• On behalf of The Standard, a third-party research firm conducted a 15-minute online survey of 5,000 participants. Most participants are currently eligible to receive some employee benefits through their employer.
• Fielded: ~70% women (N=3,468) and ~30% men (1,523) 
• Ages: 18 – 70
• Field dates: March 10 – 27, 2025

About The Standard

Established in 1906, The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. We are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individual customers. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, voluntary and supplemental benefits, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individual customers. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.com and follow us on LinkedIn and Instagram.