Mind the Gap: Introducing Mind the Gap--for Gen Z and the Z-curious colleagues we work with

CURATED READS FOR GEN Z—AND THEIR Z-CURIOUS COLLEAGUES

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Welcome to the very first edition of Mind the Gap, a new newsletter for those of us in Gen Z—and the Z-curious colleagues we work with. I’m Sarah Skinner, an editor and recent Cornell University grad. My goal each week will be to keep you updated on today’s biggest issues and how they’ll affect our future. Up this week are mental health, how to get along in the workplace, and for fun: 65 across in the McKinsey Crossword is extra tricky—if you know the answer, play on!

first up

You may be among the lucky ones, but this pandemic has just about everyone I know burnt out, stressed, and braced for the future. So I wasn’t too surprised when our new look at Gen Z and mental health, pulling from US-based surveys and interviews, showed that our generation has:

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the most anxiety and depression

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the least positive outlook on life

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the most emotional distress

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a hard time paying for food or school and meeting other basic needs

The data is sobering—one in four people under 24 said they didn’t have the money for mental-health help. As one person said: “I found the perfect therapist for me, but I couldn’t afford her, even with insurance.”

What can help? Well, for one, listening to Gen Z to understand what we need, whether that’s at home, on the job, or at school. Other things, like virtual doctors’ visits or combatting stigma about mental-health issues, could also make a difference.

Thoughts? Let us know at NewIdeas@McKinsey.com

If you’re experiencing a crisis, you’re not alone. The US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, or there may be similar resources in your region if you need them. Don’t suffer in silence.

visualize it

Bailing for better benefits

wait, don’t scroll

Starting to hate your job? Be the change. Workplace culture is tricky. And if you’re like me—starting a new job remotely during a global pandemic—it’s even trickier. A new interview from our Author Talks series, featuring conversations with interesting writers, has tips for you, courtesy of Harvard Business School’s James Heskett.

Got AI? Here are seven elements your company needs to put all that data it’s collecting to good use. Without them, our experts warn you’ll be left behind in only three years. Check out this glossy interactive on turning big data into smart data.

‘This call may be recorded for quality assurance.’ Let’s pretend my new toaster spontaneously combusted, and I call up the company to say I’m not too thrilled. Their basic monitoring software scoops up the word “thrilled,” marking down one more satisfied customer. That’s … not ideal. Tech to the rescue?

They don’t want no scrubs. A third of US nurses seriously considered quitting by the end of 2021. Long after the nightly applause ended and healthcare hero banners were put away, The McKinsey Podcast checks up on the state of nursing. (Stick it out to the end for a segment on being transgender at work.) Explore more episodes of The McKinsey Podcast or subscribe via iTunes, Stitcher, or Spotify.

quote us on it

“I was able to see how she took sources of disagreement and actually drew out the different perspectives of the different folks in the room. Rather than running from the conflict, she actually leaned into the conflict.”

Senior partner Liz Hilton Segel in episode 5 of My Rookie Moment, on how a trusted colleague helped her through role modeling and mentorship ahead of an important client discussion

My Rookie Moment asks senior leaders to share how they faced challenging moments back when they were young and just starting their careers. It’s got great tips, and I find it a surprisingly reassuring way to remind myself everyone’s human. (Ever split your pants running to an important meeting? Well, you’re not alone.) And keep up on our quote of the day.