Factors Influencing Anxiety in MZ Generation Workers: Occupational Stress, Social Problem Solving, Work as Meaning, and Work-Life Balance

Purpose: This study aimed to examine factors influencing the anxiety levels of MZ generation workers, including occupational stress, social problem solving, work as meaning, and work-life balance. Methods: This study used secondary data from 503 MZ generation workers which was originally collected in a mental health study of workers applying machine learning techniques. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and stepwise multiple regression analysis with SPSS 26. Results: Results indicated that the job demand and job insecurity subscales of occupational stress, negative problem orientation, avoidance style, and impulsive & careless style of social problem solving scale were identified as significant factors that increased anxiety. In contrast, the job control subscale of occupational stress, work-life balance, the greater good motivation subscale of work as meaning, and positive problem orientation of social problem solving scale were identified as important factors that reduced anxiety. These factors collectively explained approximately 49% of the variance in anxiety among MZ generation workers. Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is essential to manage occupational stress with an optimistic perspective, develop social problem solving skills with a sense of meaning at work and maintain a great work-life balance to reduce anxiety among MZ generation workers.