Research: Benefits not designed to motivate today's employees
- Almost half of Gen Z think their companies’ benefits don’t appeal to their generation; a third of Gen Y believe the same
- Baby boomers are the most positive about their company’s benefits
- Research shows companies that adapt to younger generations can retain staff more effectively
The study of 2,000 employees finds that 46% of Gen Z (under 25s) say their companies’ benefits fail to appeal to their generation. Just behind that, over a third (37%) of Gen Y feel the same way.
These two groups are also the most likely to want change. About half of Gen Z (51%) and Gen Y (46%) employees wish their employers would ‘seriously reconsider’ how they reward staff.
Employees’ opinion of their benefits increases with age, 77% of employees aged over 55 believe their benefits appeal to their generation, falling slightly for 45-55 year olds (75%) and 34-44 year olds (68%).
Patrick Watt, corporate director, Bupa UK, said: “Today’s under 35s have changed the workforce dramatically, meaning benefits can be out of touch. Companies who act now to create reward packages that reflect the needs and preferences of their younger employees will steal a march on the competition by retaining and motivating the new generation of talent.”
The study identified three further themes:
1) Engagement deficit
Employees’ attitudes towards their benefit packages is linked to how engaged they are. Employees who are “always engaged” in their work are the most likely to appreciate their benefits (85%) dropping to 50% for employees that don’t feel engaged.
2) Pay vs Perk
When it comes to tailoring benefits for different age groups, 44% of Gen Z say they are motivated more if a company treats them well rather than a pay rise – compared to 39% of employees as a whole.
Gen Y are most likely to consider leaving if the benefits they appreciate were taken away (53% vs 40% overall). What’s more, their happiness (56% vs 46% overall) and engagement (49% vs 42% overall) would be most affected by the loss of these perks.
3) Retention challenge
Young employees are the most likely to move job in search of better benefits. About a third of Gen Z (33%) and Gen Y (29%) employees intend to leave their job in the next 12 months for an organisation with better benefits. This compares to just over one in ten (13%) for employees aged 55 years or older.
"The modern workforce is set to move between jobs more often that previously, but companies can help ensure they don’t lose their top talent by considering tailored, personalised reward packages that engage different generations in different ways,” says Watt.
This article was provided by Bupa.
In partnership with Bupa
Bupa's purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world.
