[UK] 3 in 5 young workers want more wellbeing support from employers

[UK] 3 in 5 young workers want more wellbeing support from employers
03 Apr 2026

New research has revealed that, despite workplace wellbeing becoming an increasing priority for organisations, the majority of employees still feel they are not being given the right kind of support, Consultancy.uk reports.

The research, from Zest and Epassi, found that close to two-thirds of young workers are now demanding more wellbeing support from their employer.

Seven-in-10 reportedly stated that they could leave their roles if it were not provided.

There has been a significant shift in the C-suite's priorities in recent years, with firms trying to demonstrate that they have developed policies to support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees.

But have good intentions translated into action?

When Zest and Epassi questioned survey respondents about their ideal benefits package, 30 per cent of employees cited private medical insurance, 21 per cent wanted a wellbeing allowance to spend on what they choose, and 15 per cent would like paid mental health leave. 

Despite 49 per cent of employers claiming to have invested more into such of benefits, the impact is reportedly not being felt by workers.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, only 41 per cent of employees of all ages think their employer cares about their wellbeing, with 44 per cent believing their benefits package supports mental health. A majority of (58 per cent) employees feel their benefits package was inadequate last year, and 70 per cent stated that they’d leave their job if another company offered them better benefits. 

59 per cent of young employees said they would demand more wellbeing support from their employer, and 64 per cent of employees aged 18-34 believe this type of support is just as important as financial wellbeing. 

Employers who don’t offer these benefits risk missing out on or failing to retain talent, especially the next generation.

Matt Russell - CEO at Zest and Epassi UK - said, “Aligning with wider societal trends, younger generations are now increasingly calling for greater wellbeing support at work – employers, however, are falling short when it comes to matching this demand. To meet employee needs and attract and retain the next generation of talent, employers must enhance their wellbeing offerings. 

"Simply investing in benefits is clearly not enough – understanding what type of support workers want, implementing changes and communicating what’s on offer effectively is key. Not only will this improve employee support and morale, but also drive business growth and productivity.”

 

Source: Consultancy.uk

(Quotes via original reporting)

New research has revealed that, despite workplace wellbeing becoming an increasing priority for organisations, the majority of employees still feel they are not being given the right kind of support, Consultancy.uk reports.

The research, from Zest and Epassi, found that close to two-thirds of young workers are now demanding more wellbeing support from their employer.

Seven-in-10 reportedly stated that they could leave their roles if it were not provided.

There has been a significant shift in the C-suite's priorities in recent years, with firms trying to demonstrate that they have developed policies to support the mental health and wellbeing of their employees.

But have good intentions translated into action?

When Zest and Epassi questioned survey respondents about their ideal benefits package, 30 per cent of employees cited private medical insurance, 21 per cent wanted a wellbeing allowance to spend on what they choose, and 15 per cent would like paid mental health leave. 

Despite 49 per cent of employers claiming to have invested more into such of benefits, the impact is reportedly not being felt by workers.

Of the 2,000 adults surveyed, only 41 per cent of employees of all ages think their employer cares about their wellbeing, with 44 per cent believing their benefits package supports mental health. A majority of (58 per cent) employees feel their benefits package was inadequate last year, and 70 per cent stated that they’d leave their job if another company offered them better benefits. 

59 per cent of young employees said they would demand more wellbeing support from their employer, and 64 per cent of employees aged 18-34 believe this type of support is just as important as financial wellbeing. 

Employers who don’t offer these benefits risk missing out on or failing to retain talent, especially the next generation.

Matt Russell - CEO at Zest and Epassi UK - said, “Aligning with wider societal trends, younger generations are now increasingly calling for greater wellbeing support at work – employers, however, are falling short when it comes to matching this demand. To meet employee needs and attract and retain the next generation of talent, employers must enhance their wellbeing offerings. 

"Simply investing in benefits is clearly not enough – understanding what type of support workers want, implementing changes and communicating what’s on offer effectively is key. Not only will this improve employee support and morale, but also drive business growth and productivity.”

 

Source: Consultancy.uk

(Quotes via original reporting)

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