A new report from Sun Life suggests Generation Z is facing higher rates of mental health challenges and a faster rise in chronic disease indicators than any other age group, trends the insurer says could have growing impacts on Canadian workplaces as younger employees become the country’s dominant workforce by 2030.
The report, released Wednesday, draws on Sun Life data from more than 20,000 employers and three million benefit plan members, focusing on Gen Z Canadians born between 1997 and 2012.
Sun Life says more than half of Gen Z long-term disability claims are related to mental health disorders, compared to about 40 per cent for the overall insured population. Among Gen Z women, the figure climbs to more than 60 per cent, the report said.
The insurer also reported Gen Z antidepressant drug claims grew at twice the rate of overall plan members between 2021 and 2024, with antidepressant use among Gen Z men rising by more than 50 per cent over that period.
While women continue to use mental health therapy at higher rates, Sun Life says more Gen Z men are seeking help than in previous years, noting that growth in psychologist visits among young men outpaced young women and increased nearly twice as fast as the overall plan population.
Sun Life also flagged rising physical health concerns, saying claims growth for drugs treating conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol is two to three times higher among Gen Z employees compared to older cohorts.
“Supporting Gen Z is essential for building resilient businesses and a stronger future for Canadians,” said Marie-Chantal Côté, senior vice-president of Sun Life Health. “This generation is coming of age in a world shaped by economic uncertainty, climate anxiety and digital overload.”
The report suggests while Gen Z’s overall chronic disease rates remain lower than older age groups, rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor diet could lead to significantly higher incidence by the time today’s young workers reach middle age.
Claims for diabetes drugs were found to be growing two to four times faster among those under 30 than among those aged 30 to 60, Sun Life said, with growth in diabetes drug claims for Gen Z women rising 40 per cent faster than for men.
Sun Life said employers and benefits providers can help build resilience by improving awareness of available supports, including mental health services and flexible spending options.
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