Gen Zers expect more from their jobs. In fact, recruiters say they’re asking too much. According to a recent survey from job search engine Adzuna, openings are increasing across all employment types except graduate posts.

However, recruiters should not overlook youthful talent so quickly. Having seen prior generations take long-term sick absence due to stress and tiredness, it’s no surprise that younger generations expect more from their employment.

That’s not to mention the pandemic, which has caused concern among young people. According to a Deloitte survey, nearly half of Generation Z (46%) now report feeling pressured at work all or most of the time.

So, what measures should businesses put in place to safeguard the health and well-being of their new employees?

Adopt a digital-first approach to wellbeing

Gen Z, contrary to popular belief, is not the anti-ambition generation. In fact, they report some of the highest instances of burnout in the workplace.

Experts have demonstrated that young people are more likely to work overtime, with statistics from ADP Research Institute’s People at Work 2023 report revealing that persons aged 18-24 work an additional eight and a half hours of ‘free work’ every week.

With Gen Z employees becoming increasingly time-pressed, it is critical that organizations embrace the wellbeing wheel. They should implement strong policies and wellness initiatives that cater to young audiences through the group’s preferred mode of communication: online.

Healthcare providers must embrace technology to offer Gen Z advice and guidance on adopting new behaviors to prevent burnout.

Digital wellness platforms are one solution. Introducing these is critical to ensuring that people are supported in all parts of their health, not just physical or mental, and that this is tailored to the individual.

AI can also assist employees get rapid wellness support by surfacing relevant wellbeing advice and directing them to services and resources.

With 23% of Gen Z workers stating that they expect to quit the workplace within the next two years, we believe it is the responsibility of employers to establish an atmosphere that reduces staff turnover and fosters employee well-being.

The significance of personalized support for Gen Z

Meaningful employment is the current workplace trend, led by Generation Z. They want their opinions to be heard and to work for a firm that makes them feel supported. According to Deloitte’s poll, 80% believe that mental health support is vital when choosing a job.

With this generation poised to mold the future workplace, research suggests that in order to stay competitive, HR departments should be prepared to adopt or adjust workplace values and culture rather than expecting Gen Z to adapt to the organization.

Flexibility is critical. A healthcare trust enables employers to select benefits based on the specific makeup of their staff, allowing them to foster an environment in which employees feel valued and appreciated.

Employers can respond by providing inclusive benefits in places where employees can access both mental health treatments, which are now at record levels on waiting lists.

Financial issues have a knock-on impact.

Employers must adopt a holistic approach to employee well-being. As the cost of living problem deepens, Generation Z is struggling financially. They are also disproportionately affected by the economic consequences of the pandemic.

According to a recent survey, half of Generation Zs live paycheck to paycheck, while Relate, a UK-based relationship support network, discovered that 83% of Gen Zers feel pressure to meet life milestones.

NHS waiting times are at an all-time high, so employers must step up to keep their employees healthy. Employers should urge employees to join their EAP (Employee Assistance Programme), which offers financial advice and debt helplines.

Companies can also provide financial health training classes and self-help resources to help employees learn how to properly manage their money. One-on-one counseling sessions can also help employees work through personal concerns in a safe setting.

It pays to invest in your workers.

Gen Z will account for 30% of the workforce by 2030. As a more health-conscious generation emerges, employers would benefit from developing a comprehensive and inclusive wellbeing strategy to attract new talent.

If you are concerned about financial danger, look again. Workers who are unmotivated and worried will not perform to their full potential, according to a 2022 Deloitte analysis, which estimates that poor mental health costs businesses £56 billion every year.

Offering personalized healthcare benefits and bonuses to Gen Z will help them with the issues that actually matter, allowing organizations to satisfy the needs of a generation that both requires and expects more from their employment.