The Impact of Hustle Culture on Millennial & Gen Z Mental Health

Hustle culture, characterised by the relentless pursuit of professional success often at the expense of personal well-being, has become a pervasive ethos in many modern societies. In Singapore, a nation renowned for its industrious spirit and rapid economic growth, this culture has deeply influenced the lifestyles of Millennials and Generation Z. While ambition and hard work are commendable, the unbridled embrace of hustle culture has precipitated significant mental health challenges among these younger cohorts.

Understanding hustle culture in Singapore

Hustle culture in Singapore pressures youths into constant achievement, leaving little room for self-reflection and personal growth. As NUS lecturer Jonathan Sim highlights, many students struggle with introspection, viewing it as unproductive. The fast-paced, hyperconnected world further discourages pausing to reflect, leading to increased stress, harsh self-criticism, and a fear of failure. Without self-reflection, youths may suppress emotions, avoid challenges, and struggle with personal development (Sim, 2024).

While hard work is essential, experts like Chirag Agarwal of Talk Your Heart Out stress the importance of setting boundaries to prevent burnout. Identifying personal values, setting non-negotiable limits, and practising mindfulness can help individuals develop healthier relationships with work. Entrepreneur Edmund Chong emphasises the role of time management in balancing work, relationships, and self-care, ensuring that life isn’t solely about the hustle (Lee, 2023).

The psychological toll on Millennials and Gen Z

A region-wide study, ‘Hustle’ Culture,’ found that 52% of Singaporean employees report poor quality of life, compared to 37% in Indonesia and 36% in the Philippines. Despite a shift away from hustle culture, with younger employees increasingly rejecting it in favour of "quiet quitting," Singapore remains behind the region in terms of mental health, job satisfaction, and overall quality of life. This highlights the urgent need for improvements in workplace well-being in the country (Rice Media, 2024).

Moreover, research indicates that Gen Z employees in Singapore experience the highest rates of burnout, with 68% feeling burned out due to work, and 58% reporting stress a few days a week (AsiaOne, 2024). Millennials are not far behind, with 65% experiencing burnout and 44% feeling frequent stress. These figures underscore the pervasive impact of hustle culture on younger generations, leading to chronic fatigue, decreased job satisfaction, and a diminished quality of life.

Cultural and societal factors (Change to a suitable header)

Singapore's cultural milieu plays a pivotal role in perpetuating hustle culture. The societal emphasis on meritocracy and success fosters a fear of falling behind, compelling individuals to overextend themselves. Additionally, the advent of digitalisation and remote working has blurred the boundaries between professional and personal life, making it challenging to disengage from work (Tang & Koa, 2023).

Despite the entrenched nature of hustle culture, there is a discernible shift in attitudes among Millennials and Gen Z in Singapore. Many are beginning to prioritise mental health and work-life balance over traditional markers of success. This change is reflected in workplace expectations, with a significant number of young professionals valuing employers who offer mental health support and flexible working conditions. In Singapore, 86% of Gen Zs and 84% of Millennials indicated that mental health support and policies are very important when considering a potential employer (Deloitte, 2023).

This generational shift challenges the traditional notions of success and productivity. Younger individuals are increasingly seeking meaningful work that aligns with their personal values, and they are unwilling to sacrifice their well-being for professional advancement. This paradigm shift is prompting organisations to re-evaluate their workplace cultures and policies to attract and retain young talent.

Despite the growing recognition of the importance of work-life balance, Singapore still lags behind many other countries in the region when it comes to the quality of this balance. While the shift in attitudes among younger generations is promising, more needs to be done to create sustainable work environments that prioritise employee well-being. This disparity underscores the urgency of addressing these challenges, which will be explored in the following section.

Addressing the mental health implications

To mitigate the adverse effects of hustle culture, a multifaceted approach is necessary. At the societal level, there needs to be a redefinition of success that encompasses well-being and personal fulfilment, rather than solely professional achievements. Educational institutions and workplaces should foster environments that encourage balance, self-care, and open discussions about mental health. Employers also play a crucial role by implementing policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible working hours and mental health days. Creating a supportive workplace culture where taking breaks is normalised can significantly reduce burnout and enhance overall productivity.

For individuals grappling with the pressures of hustle culture, seeking professional support can be beneficial. Engaging in adult counselling in Singapore provides a safe space to explore personal challenges and develop coping strategies. Therapists can assist in identifying unhealthy patterns and guide individuals towards a more balanced lifestyle.

Conclusion

While ambition and hard work have been integral to Singapore's growth, hustle culture can precipitate significant mental health challenges among Millennials and Gen Z. Recognising the detrimental effects of this relentless pursuit of success is the first step towards fostering a more balanced and fulfilling approach to work and life. By prioritising mental well-being and redefining societal norms around success, Singapore can cultivate a healthier environment for its younger generations to thrive.

References

AsiaOne. (2024, August 15). Study finds Gen Zs in Singapore experience highest rate of burnout and stress. https://www.asiaone.com/lifestyle/study-finds-gen-zs-singapore-experience-highest-rate-burnout-and-stress

Deloitte. (2023, May 17). Deloitte's 2023 Gen Z and Millennial Survey reveals workplace progress. https://www2.deloitte.com/sg/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/deloitte-2023-gen-z-and-millennial-survey-reveals-workplace-progress.html

Lam, N. (2022b, September 13). Singapore employees have the poorest mental health across SEA. this study proves it. RICE. https://www.ricemedia.co/survey-intellect-milieu-insight-hustle-culture/

Lee, L. (2024, September 30). Gen Zen: How to have a healthy relationship with hustle culture. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/today/mental-health-matters/gen-zen-how-have-healthy-relationship-hustle-culture-4633501

Sim, J. (2024). Commentary: How hustle culture is robbing our youths of self-discovery. CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/commentary/new-year-resolutions-youth-hustle-culture-learn-self-reflection-4015916

Tang, S. Y., & Koa, W. X. (2023). Hustle culture: The perceptions & reactions of young Singaporean millennials. https://bpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.ntu.edu.sg/dist/f/2812/files/2023/07/1.-Hustle-Culture-Tang-Sze-Yin-and-Koa-Wei-Xuan.pdf

The Business Times. (2024, January 5). A Gen Z's take on mental health concerns in Singapore. https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/thrive/gen-zs-take-mental-health-concerns-singapore