Debby Wijaya
ROME – A comprehensive survey by Ipsos Doxa uncovers a significant global trend among Generation Z: for one in two young people, personal health and well-being are no longer merely secondary aspects but an essential project for their future. This finding marks a paradigm shift in generational priorities, placing quality of life above material achievements alone.
The study, conducted by the credible research institution Ipsos Doxa, targeted the mindset of the generation born between the mid-1990s and early 2010s. The results show a strong consensus: half of the respondents identified physical and mental health, along with personal happiness, as the main foundation for their life planning. This reflects a deep awareness of the importance of internal foundations before pursuing external ambitions.
This phenomenon is inseparable from the global context Gen Z faces. Growing up in an era of massive digitalization, climate change, economic uncertainty, and a recently passed global pandemic, they are confronted with unique pressures. They have directly witnessed the impact of stress, anxiety, and mental exhaustion affecting previous generations, thus shaping a new perspective on the meaning of success.
Gen Z's definition of well-being proves to be more holistic. They refer not only to the absence of illness but also to prime mental health, work-life balance, healthy social relationships, and a meaningful life purpose. The concept of 'stare bene'—living well—becomes a mantra encapsulating these aspirations.
This shift in priorities has the potential to bring significant implications across various sectors. The health and technology industries, for example, will see increased demand for services and applications supporting mental health and work-life balance. The job market will also feel the impact, with Gen Z tending to choose companies that offer supportive work cultures and flexibility.
Unlike previous generations, such as Millennials or Generation X, who might have been more focused on wealth accumulation or career achievement as indicators of success, Generation Z tends to define success through personal satisfaction and quality of life. They seek meaning behind their work and values that align with their principles.
Social observers note that Gen Z's orientation towards well-being is an adaptive response to the complexities of the times. They recognize that stress and pressure can erode productivity and happiness, making investment in oneself crucial. However, this endeavor also faces challenges, including the stigma surrounding mental health and access to adequate support.
Governments and educational institutions now face the urgency of designing policies and curricula that support the development of students' mental health and well-being. Initiatives promoting healthy digital literacy and emotional resilience are becoming increasingly vital to equip this generation.
In the private sector, proactive companies are beginning to integrate comprehensive employee well-being programs, not just as additional perks, but as an integral part of their company culture. An inclusive and empathetic work environment becomes a key attraction for young talent.
The trend highlighted by Ipsos Doxa indicates that the future will be dominated by a generation more aware of the intrinsic value of quality of life. Personal well-being is no longer a luxury but a basic need and a long-term strategy for facing the dynamics of a constantly changing world. This is a call for all stakeholders to adapt and invest in the new priorities of the future generation.
Editorial Insight: Gen Z's prioritization of well-being is a profound reflection of their collective experiences and the world conditions that shaped them. Governments, corporations, and educational institutions must be responsive to these demands. Ignoring this fundamental orientation risks losing the innovative potential and significant contributions of the generation that will lead in the coming years. This is not merely a fleeting trend but a shift in values that will shape the direction of society.
