Role Of Positive Emotions in Reducing Job Stress: Tips for Millennial and Z Generation Employees

Abstract

Job-related stress is a prevalent issue that can adversely affect employees. This challenge is particularly pertinent among millennials (born between 1981 and 1996) and Generation Z (born after 1996), who are distinguished by their technological adeptness, pursuit of work-life balance, and preference for supportive work environments. Addressing job stress in these generations is essential for cultivating a healthy workforce, as these generations increasingly dominate the workforce. This study examines the impact of positive emotions on job stress among millennial and Generation Z employees. The 'New Job Stress Scale' was employed to measure job stress, while the Positive Emotion Scale, based on the 'Broaden and Build' theory, was used to assess positive emotions. Data analysis was conducted using simple linear regression. The findings revealed that positive emotions significantly reduce work stress (β = -0.462, p < 0.01), accounting for 21.4% of the variance in influencing job stress. These results highlight the critical role of fostering positive emotions in the workplace to mitigate stress among young employees. Future research should focus on developing specific interventions to boost positive emotions and investigate their long-term effects on employee well-being. Organisations can create a more supportive and effective work environment by addressing the unique needs of millennials and Generation Z.