The rise of Generation Z, now a dominant and influential demographic in the workplace, presents a unique opportunity for HR leaders. These tech-savvy employees in their early to late 20s bring a distinct set of expectations for their health and wellness.
By understanding and meeting these needs, companies can not only attract and retain top Gen Z talent but also create a healthier workplace culture for everyone. Discover the wellness priorities that matter most to Gen Z employees and how you can meet (and exceed) them for a happier and healthier workplace.
From Boomers to Zoomers: Changing Priorities
If you look around the office, you’ll probably notice a generational shift. Baby Boomers (ages 61 – 79) continue to retire steadily, now representing just 15% of the workforce, while Gen Z employees account for 18%. Despite a softening labor market, Gen Z’s growth continues and is projected to make up 27% of the global workforce by the end of 2025.
As Gen Z gains influence in the workplace, HR leaders must recognize that their priorities and expectations differ from those of previous generations. In addition to flexible work arrangements for a better work-life balance and career growth opportunities, their top two priorities are mental health support and physical wellness.
A Generation Feeling “Unwell”
Gen Z employees appear to struggle more than employees of other generations across all key aspects of well-being. According to Fidelity Workplace research:
- 44% of Gen Z employees report they are in fair, poor, or very poor mental health.
- 46% indicate they have a diagnosed mental health condition.
- 50% state that they or a dependent needed mental health care in the past 2 years.
Additionally, Gen Z reports more stress and anxiety than other generations. 40% report they feel stressed all or most of the time. Only 51% rate their mental health as good or extremely good, compared to 62% of Millennials and 68% of Gen Xers.
Even with their mental health challenges, Gen Z understands their needs and is proactive in seeking help. That’s why they value health benefits that include practical resources such as teletherapy, mental health apps, meditation resources, and comprehensive employee-assistance programs.
Employers are listening and are embracing tech as part of the solution:
- 72% of employers offer virtual behavioral healthcare and telehealth options for mental health.
- 68% offer app-based mental health support.
Focus on Physical Health & Wellness
Just as they actively seek support for their mental health, Gen Z also prioritizes their physical health. Gen Z (and Millennials) want a healthier lifestyle that emphasizes prevention over treatment. In fact, they spend more time and income on fitness, activity-based leisure, and other wellness-focused products than other generations.
A Bank of America analysis indicates that Gen Z households spend, on average, about 2.8 times more on fitness than Baby Boomers, while millennials spend around three times as much.
Gen Z: Embracing AI for Wellness
As digital natives, Gen Z employees are inherently comfortable with technology and readily embrace AI-powered tools to support their health. Consider:
- More than half of Gen Z use digital technologies to monitor their well-being.
- 66% of Gen Z (compared with 40% of other generations) use digital tools like wellness apps and fitness trackers to manage their health.
To appeal to Gen Z, AI-driven wellness programs should focus on delivering instant, actionable insights and easy access. Providing personalized experiences that resonate with each employee’s unique needs is even more important.
Aaptiv: The Ideal Wellness Resource for Gen Z Employees
Aaptiv’s AI-powered fitness and wellness app goes beyond workouts, offering tailored recommendations across all facets of wellness, with programs for sleep, nutrition guidance, meditation, and more. It provides a one-stop, on-demand resource that aligns with their expectations for innovative and meaningful wellness support.
Learn more about Aaptiv employee fitness and wellness benefit solutions.
