Indian Millennials and Gen Z showed resilience and optimism during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Deloitte Global Millennial Survey.

The survey consisted of two parts: a “primary” survey of 18,426 millennials and Gen Zs across 43 countries conducted between November 2019 and early January 2020, and a “pulse” survey of 9,100 individuals over 13 countries taken between April and May of 2020 in the midst of the worldwide pandemic. Indian respondents were a part of both surveys. Many questions from the first study were repeated to gauge the effect of the pandemic on opinions.

In the primary survey, 54% of Gen Zs and 57% of millennials in India said they were stressed all or most of the time. Respondents cited family welfare, long-term finances, and job prospects as primary sources of stress.

Despite the slight declines seen in the pulse survey, stress and mental wellness remain critical issues for young generations and these issues are manifested in work settings. Approximately 69% of millennials and 67% Gen Zs took time off work due to stress before the pandemic, though some of them told their employers it was for a different reason. Encouragingly, flexible working arrangements—which were widely implemented as a result of the pandemic—may present one solution. 86% of millennials and 83% of Gen Zs agreed having the option to work from home in the future would relieve stress.

“While organisations focus on upskilling and reskilling, there is a need to encourage a culture in which it’s okay to ask for help, to care for each other, and to address emotional distress in an environment free of judgement and misconceptions,” said Nathan. “Millennials and Gen Zs have been delivering results over the past few months in spite of a way of working that’s new to most. So it’s only justified that organisations should do their part to alleviate people’s stress levels,” he added.

The report also highlights how the consequences of the pandemic have drastically affected the careers of young workers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has radically shifted our way of life—how we work, socialise, shop, and more—and young generations were especially impacted,” says Michele Parmelee, Deloitte Global Chief People and Purpose Officer. “However, despite uncertain and discouraging conditions, millennials and Gen Zs express impressive resiliency and a resolve to improve the world. As we rebuild our economies and society, young people will be critical in shaping the world that emerges.”