Young workers want more wellbeing support

The research, from the UK’s leading benefits and wellbeing hub, Zest and Epassi UK, finds that wellbeing at work is among a top priority, with around two-thirds (64%) of employees aged 18-34 believing this type of support is just as important as financial wellbeing.

When asked about their ideal benefits package, three in ten (30%) employees listed private medical insurance, one in five (21%) listed a wellbeing allowance to spend on what they choose, and one in seven (15%) wanted paid mental health leave.

Despite research from Zest’s 2025 Employee Benefits Report finding three quarters (77%) of employers to have invested more into these types of wellbeing benefits, there remains a disconnect between workers and leaders.

Only four in ten (41%) employees of all ages feel that their employer cares about their wellbeing with less than half (44%) believing their benefits package supports mental health. According to the CIPD, UK employees were off sick – due to both mental and physical ill health – for nearly two full working weeks (9.4 days) on average in 2025.*

Employers who fail to offer the benefits their workforce are calling for are at risk of missing out on or losing talent.

Six in ten (58%) employees thought their benefits package was inadequate last year and seven in ten (70%) admitted that they’d leave their job if another company offered them better benefits.  

Matt Russell, CEO at Zest and Epassi UK, comments: “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.

Having recently acquired employee benefits platform, Zest, Epassi UK offers flexible benefits technology that connects wellbeing, benefits and employee value propositions into one seamless employee experience.