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The study, conducted among more than 30,000 employees in 29 countries by a research agency, GfK Custom Research, has concluded that the labour market is polarised between disillusioned 18-year-olds to 29-year-olds and their older, possibly more resigned, counterparts.

Although younger employees are more likely to be free from the biggest responsibilities at work, a larger percentage of them are“frequently” or “nearly always” concerned about their work-life balance, pressure to work long hours and personal health.

The researchers also found that in many countries, work pressures are taking their toll on well-being among the younger work generation.

A source at GfK said the recession had “dealt a hammer blow to the aspirations of many”.

Younger employees appear to be bearing the brunt of businesses tightening their belts.

Two fifths (39%) believe that their employer is using the recession to justify asking them to do more, compared to one in four older workers (24%). A third (34%) are also concerned about not having the resources to do their work effectively, compared to 22% of workers in their 60s.

GfK says the situation is “having a real impact on younger workers’ well-being”.

Two fifths are “frequently stressed at work” —which is a higher percentage than that seen in any other age. Moreover, almost a third feel under pressure to work long hours.

As a result, two-fifths of young workers are unhappy with their work-life balance — again the highest percentage of all age groups — while a third feel that work pressure and stress frequently impact their health.

Article courtesy of Croner