A startling three out of four Gen Z hourly workers are stressed managing their finances, and that stress is negatively impacting their health. New data from a recent Harris poll (with help from Funding Our Future and DailyPay) illustrates the challenges faced by the youngest sector of the workforce. Many hourly workers in the Gen Z demographic (those aged 18-26 years old) are struggling to manage their finances, pay bills on time, and keep up with their mental health. Inflation (currently around 3%), has been noted as a major detriment to Gen Z hourly worker's finances over the past year:

• 96% find managing their finances stressful
• 85% say inflation has negatively impacted their finances in the past year
• 79% don't always have enough cash to pay bills on time

The negative emotions associated with making ends meet is understandable, especially for younger workers. More than half (61%) of Gen X report not always being able to pay a bill on time, yet Gen Z (79%) and millennial (76%) hourly workers are affected even more harshly. Some Gen Z hourly workers report using an on-demand pay app when they are short on cash for immediate expenses.

Many respondents feel they would benefit from getting paid more frequently at work, some even considering leaving their current employer for one that allows them to access their pay every day, as they earn it. Gen Z workers are eager to utilize flexible payment strategies, with half of respondents agreeing that they would benefit from a more frequent payment system.