A considerable number of Germans are reporting higher levels of stress compared to several years prior.
As per the study conducted by the Future of Questions Foundation in Hamburg, announced on Thursday, nearly half of Germans, approximately 52%, report feeling more stressed than they did previously. This trend is more pronounced among younger individuals. A staggering 63% of individuals below the age of 30 confess to feeling "more stressed overall than before," whereas only 31% of individuals over 65 share this sentiment. The middle-aged demographic, between 30 and 64, tends to fall slightly above the general average, with 54% acknowledging an increase in stress levels.
The foundation attributes this rise in stress levels to several factors, including digitalization and the evolving workplace. Younger generations, in particular, feel an added pressure due to relentless self-evaluation on social media.
For those ages 30 to 64, striking a balance between work and personal life has become another major source of stress. The responsibilities of both parents and working professionals have intensified in recent times, while the once-ubiquitous support system, such as from relatives, is now less readily available. Financial insecurities also play a significant role, thanks to the risky job markets and the escalating cost of living.
Due to the influences of digitalization and the changing work environment, younger generations in Germany, particularly those under 30, often experience higher levels of stress due to self-evaluation pressures on social media. Moreover, individuals aged 30 to 64 in Germany, also commonly referred to as the middle-aged demographic, struggle with maintaining a balance between their professional and personal lives, a challenge that is exacerbated by financial insecurities and the diminished support systems of the past.
