Coping Strategies for Stress and Mental Health in Millennial and Generation Z Tourism Employees
Authors: Pradhana I Putu Dharmawan , Supartha Wayan Gede , Dewi I Gusti Ayu Manuati , Rahyuda Agoes Ganesha 
Published: February 2025

Aims: This study emphasizes that workplace stress is a multi-faceted issue that affects the mental health and productivity of millennial and Gen Z employees in the tourism industry. Social pressures and work demands present unique challenges to these two generations that require serious attention from management. The findings suggest that although some coping strategies have been implemented, their effectiveness is often hampered by unsupportive working conditions. Therefore, organizations must design and foster a comprehensive organizational approach to workplace stress management and build a positive organizational culture to enhance employee well-being and organizational productivity. Organizations can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment by addressing the factors that contribute to stress.
Study Design: This study uses a systematic literature review approach where the researcher collects, analyzes, and synthesizes information from various academic sources and previous research related to stress, mental health, and well-being of millennials and Generation Z in the context of the tourism industry. This process includes finding articles, journals, and reports on the causes of stress, its impact on productivity, and various coping mechanisms employed by young people. The researcher will also use academic databases, such as Google Scholar and JSTOR, to evaluate the quality and relevance of the literature and issues, develop a comprehensive understanding of the issues related to mental health in tourism, and provide substantial evidence-based recommendations to improve employee well-being.
Place and Duration of Study: This study's focus is on the literature used. It is planned to be conducted for six months, from April to September 2024. During this period, the researcher plans to collect data through a literature review of employees in various tourism industry segments to obtain valuable information about their stress experiences and coping strategies.
Methodology: The research methodology used a systematic literature review approach where the researcher searched and reviewed relevant academic materials such as journal articles, books, and research reports related to stress, mental health, and well-being among millennials and Generation Z in the tourism sector. The data collection process began by searching for relevant literature from academic databases such as Google Scholar and JSTOR, then selecting them based on their quality and relevance. After that, analysis was conducted to synthesize the findings from existing studies, identify the most common phenomena, and understand the coping strategies used by young people. With this methodology, this study hopes to contribute to a better understanding of mental health issues emerging in the tourism industry and provide evidence-based recommendations to improve the well-being of workers.
Results: Studies on work-related stress among millennial and Gen Z employees in the hospitality industry reveal some interesting similarities and variations. In terms of the specifics of the most researched studies, they all share one common theme: work-related stress negatively impacts employee mental health and productivity. High workloads, lack of social support, and rapid technological change are identified as the primary causes of stress among employees. These employees employ various coping techniques, such as relaxation and social support, to manage stress. However, the achievement of these strategies is often compromised by hostile and unhelpful work conditions, which often increase their stress levels. While there is agreement on the negative consequences of stress, there is variation in how studies approach the issue. Some studies emphasize diverse coping strategies, with varying emphasis on social support and others on relaxation exercises or skills training. The effectiveness of coping strategies varies across individuals and contexts, suggesting that not every strategy is appropriate for every person or every situation. The relationship between high stress levels, low performance, and job satisfaction is also of concern. However, not all studies have addressed moderating factors, such as managerial support or organizational culture. In addition, recommendations for intervention strategies vary. Some studies suggest skills training and development programs, while others focus on improving organizational culture and providing mental health support.
Conclusion: The study found that many millennial and Gen Z employees in the tourism industry felt significant stress due to work demands and social uncertainty. Many relied on coping strategies such as seeking social support and implementing relaxation techniques, but their effectiveness was often affected by a less supportive work environment. These findings underscore the urgent need for organizations to develop better policies to support mental health, such as creating positive workspaces and providing adequate mental health resources.
This study emphasizes that workplace stress is a multi-faceted issue that affects the mental health and productivity of millennial and Gen Z employees in the tourism industry. Social pressures and work demands present unique challenges to these two generations that require serious attention from management. The findings suggest that although some coping strategies have been implemented, their effectiveness is often hampered by unsupportive working conditions. Therefore, organizations must design and foster a comprehensive organizational approach to workplace stress management and build a positive organizational culture to enhance employee well-being and organizational productivity. Organizations can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment by addressing the factors that contribute to stress.
In conclusion, the findings regarding the consequences of stress at the organizational level are considerably agreed upon, but differences in approaches, coping strategies, and intervention suggestions suggest the need for a deeper understanding of the specific contexts and characteristics of employees in the tourism sector. This is important to enable the formulation of more appropriate interventions for workers experiencing stress in their work environment.