Every generation has its own goals, values, and expectations. Although younger generations seem more open to wellness initiatives, ensuring their commitment to them is another story. Why is the well-being of younger workers important for organizations? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Millennials will make up 75% of the U.S. workforce by 2025, while Gen Z will represent about 30% by 2030.
Capturing the interest of younger generations in corporate wellness programs requires awareness and deliberate strategies. This article explores ways to effectively reach and entice Millennials and Gen Z employees to engage — and stay engaged — with wellness programs.
The Importance of Well-Being at Work for Millennials and Gen Z Workers
According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, employees in this age range are values-driven, strive for better work-life balance, and want to make a difference. The 2024 State of Healthy Eating and Wellbeing Report revealed that 71% of Millennials and Gen Z workers would switch jobs for one with better wellness features.
Gen Z and Millennials share common concerns such as workplace stress (75% are willing to leave a job with a toxic culture), mental health and stress management, physical fitness, and sleep quality.
While they are considered the “younger worker generations” and share common interests, especially regarding workplace wellness, they have different needs and concerns, a product of being at two distinct life stages.
Millennial Needs and Concerns
Millennials are individuals born between 1981 and 1996. This generation prioritizes well-being in their professional lives and seeks employers who are genuinely committed to supporting their overall health and happiness. Some of the concerns for Millennials include:
- Work-life balance. According to Deloitte, Millennials say their job and work-life balance contributes to their stress levels. They value employers who offer solutions such as flexible work environments, competitive salaries, and access to wellness programs that address both their physical and mental health needs.
- Employers’ commitment. This generation’s top expectation from employers is a demonstrable commitment to employee well-being, including access to mental health resources, comfortable work spaces, and comprehensive benefits packages that cater to their unique needs.
- Stability and a supportive work environment. Millennials’ desire for stability and a supportive work environment underscores the importance of companies investing in comprehensive well-being initiatives. By offering resources that tackle financial stress, promote health, and enhance work-life balance, employers can attract and retain Millennial talent, fostering a more engaged and productive workforce.
Challenges for Millennials
Millennials have faced numerous challenges, including economic recessions, high student debt, and the burden of rising living costs, which have significantly impacted their financial stability and overall well-being. In 2023, the U.S. inflation rate hit 3.2%, straining Millennials who are already dealing with high costs of healthcare, housing, and childcare. As a result, this generation is particularly drawn to jobs that not only provide financial security but also help them navigate these ongoing pressures.
Gen Z Needs and Concerns
Gen Z are the individuals born between the late 1990s and early 2010s. Their expectations differ from previous generations, as they have a much more flexible approach to life and work. Gen Zs are concerned about:
- Fair compensation. Having experienced an economic crisis and a global pandemic, getting just compensation for their efforts is important for Gen Z workers. A 2022 survey found that 40% of younger workers were stressed by the high cost of living.
- Work flexibility. The traditional in-office, 9-to-5 workday is not appealing for flexibility-loving Gen Z. They much prefer hybrid or remote work.
- They want their workplace to reflect diversity, equity, and inclusion. Gen Z is the most racially diverse generation in the U.S., with almost half identifying as BIPOC and 9% as LGBTQ. Gen Z seeks inclusion for racial and gender diversity.
Past and Current Challenges of Gen Z
Born in the end of the 20th century and the first decade of the 21st, older Gen Zs were entering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, many began their careers remotely, never having traditional in-person mentorship and networking opportunities. The shift to hybrid work models added another layer of complexity, requiring adaptability to an office setting most are not used to.
The economic pressure of rising inflation and high levels of student debt — often surpassing Millennials’ — intensify their financial stress. These factors drive Gen Z to prioritize work-life balance and seek employers who offer flexibility, mental health support, and a positive, inclusive work culture that meets their high expectations.
6 Things to Include in a Corporate Wellness Program for Gen Z and Millennials
To attract and retain Gen Z and Millennial employees, corporate wellness programs should be tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of these younger generations.
- Benefits for young families. Offering benefits that provide support with caregiving and childcare can be highly valuable. Consider subsidies, on-site childcare, or assistance finding reliable care services.
- Mental health programs. Providing free or low-cost access to mental health counseling, therapy, and treatment options can help address the growing demand for mental wellness support.
- Telehealth. These services offer convenient and accessible healthcare solutions, enabling employees to connect with healthcare providers virtually, which saves time and enhances access to care.
- Physical fitness. These options, such as lifestyle spending accounts, gym discounts, or reimbursement programs for fitness-related expenses, encourage employees to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Nutrition programs. These may include personalized nutritional counseling and meal planning that can support overall well-being, catering to the growing interest in healthy eating.
- Wellness program software. Integrating user-friendly wellness program software that streamlines access to all these benefits is essential. The platform should be easy to navigate and compatible with existing technology solutions, ensuring that employees can easily engage with and take full advantage of the wellness offerings available to them.
Make Your Wellness Program Attractive to Gen Z and Millennials With CoreHealth
Engaging Millennials and Gen Z in corporate wellness programs requires understanding their unique values and preferences. Tailoring wellness initiatives to align with their interests, such as offering flexible and tech-savvy solutions, is crucial for retaining employees and the program's success. The CoreHealth wellness programs and platform provide an ideal solution, offering comprehensive, customizable, and user-friendly features that cater to the needs of younger employees.
Discover how CoreHealth solutions enhance employee participation and interactive wellness experiences. Speak to one of our technology experts today!
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