Gen Z And Menu Anxiety: A Window Into The Mental State Of Our Future Leaders

Keywords: Mental Wellbeing, Sustainable Business, Resilience, Decision-Making, Future Leaders

Author: Lisa Munro

Date: 2 February 2024, Worklife Digital

A survey by British fast-food chain Prezzo* that made headlines around the world in 2023 revealed a concerning trend among Gen Z diners: ‘menu anxiety’. The survey, which polled over 2,000 people in the UK, found that 86% of Gen Z respondents were too afraid to order their own food at a restaurant and instead asked other people to select a food choice and then ‘speak to the waiter on their behalf’.

While menu anxiety may seem like a trivial issue, Gen Z is the generation that will soon be taking over the reins of the business world. If they are struggling with decision-making and anxiety in a low-stakes environment like a restaurant, how will they cope with the pressures and complexities of leadership?

There are a number of factors that contribute to menu anxiety in Gen Z. One is the sheer number of choices available to them. Unlike previous generations, Gen Z has grown up with an abundance of options, from food and clothing to entertainment and careers. This constant barrage of choices can be paralyzing, leading to decision fatigue and anxiety.

Another factor is social media. Gen Z is the most social media-savvy generation yet, and they are constantly bombarded with images of perfection. This can create unrealistic expectations and make it difficult for them to be satisfied with their own choices.

Finally, Gen Z is also a generation that is more open about mental health issues. They are more likely to talk about anxiety and depression, and they are less likely to stigmatize these conditions. This means that we are more likely to hear about the challenges they face, such as menu anxiety.

Beyond Menus: The Need for Skills Development

Gen Z may experience this anxiety more acutely, influenced by factors like an overwhelming number of options and social media pressures. However, the need for resilience, accountability, and sound decision-making transcends generational boundaries. In today's fast-paced and complex work environment, these skills are crucial for success in any industry.

Building a Supportive Work Ecosystem

Measuring and supporting mental wellbeing, and creating a workplace culture that embraces learning from mistakes, are key to developing the required skills essential for business success:

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Foster a culture that encourages learning from mistakes and celebrates experimentation. Provide opportunities for employees to take calculated risks, learn from them, and adjust their approach.

2. Empower Through Autonomy: Grant employees ownership over their tasks and decision-making within defined parameters. Offer guidance and support, but trust them to make informed choices and learn from the experience.

3. De-escalation techniques: Train managers on how to respond calmly and effectively to anxiety-related episodes, reducing tension and promoting safety

4. Cultivate Collaboration: Encourage teamwork and knowledge sharing. By working together, employees can leverage diverse perspectives, brainstorm solutions, and build confidence in their individual decision-making.

5. Provide Structured Learning: Offer training programs or workshops that focus on skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. Equip employees with the tools they need to navigate complex situations and make well-informed choices.

6. Create a Feedback Loop: Implement regular performance reviews and feedback sessions. Constructive feedback should be timely, specific, and actionable, allowing employees to understand their strengths, identify areas for improvement, and refine their decision-making process.

Rather than rolling eyes at different generations’ weaknesses, creating a work environment that fosters these critical skills across the board can empower the entire workforce to be resilient, accountable, and confident decision-makers, leading to a more adaptable, innovative, and successful businesses.

WorkLife Digital is a global mental-wellbeing consultancy driven by the mission to improve the sustainability of businesses. Our psychological wellbeing tool, Worklife Quotient (WL-Q), is modelled on cutting-edge scientific research and provides organisation-wide measurement and intelligence on the mental wellbeing levels and psychological resilience of staff. WL-Q also assesses the impact of organisational practices (i.e. people and culture, leadership styles, organisational purpose and values, social impact) that have a direct influence on staff wellbeing and provides strategic recommendations on addressing risks and promoting strengths.

For more information, get in touch at lisa@worklife.digital

References

*No official source but referenced in numerous media articles in December 2023