The Z Effect: Employment Precarity, COVID-19 and Mental Health Impact on Hamilton's Generation Z

In 2018, “The Generation Effect: Millennials, employment precarity and the 21st century workplace” revealed the following disturbing outcomes of rising precarious employment: poor mental health, financial insecurity, high student debt, and declining quality of life. The proposed study focuses on Generation Zrs (1997-2012) who are attending high school, post-secondary studies, trades or have joined the workforce. They not only face the same socio-economic challenges as their older millennial siblings, but the added hurdle of the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. Collaborating with local organizations we will develop a community-driven, evidence-based research that will contribute new knowledge and inform policy.