Plant-based milk, life coaches, birthdays off and healthy snacks, Gen-Zs’ top benefits revealed 

A survey of 2,000 18–29-year-olds in November showed that the new kids on the block are less focused on pensions and a company car and more focused on physical and mental wellbeing.

Unsurprisingly, flexible working came in at number one, with 45% saying it was the top benefit they look for, followed by a day off on your birthday (39%), work from home twice a week (25%), a shower in the office (13%), access to a life coach (15%) and 9% want to bring their dog to the office.

15% of Gen Z’s want every Friday afternoon off, 26% want a gym membership and 20% deem a relaxed dress code a must.

Food is seen major perk for the age group, with 30% saying team lunches and dinners out were important, while 18% want free fruit every day.

The vast majority (85%) said it is important for them to have access to healthy meals at work.

Read more: Should employees dictate the way they work?

Mental health was also an important factor, with 15% saying they want access to a life coach or psychotherapist, complimentary yoga sessions (7% ) and a meditation room (5%).

Two thirds (64%) of youngsters believe a happy working environment is more important than a massive salary, with more than half (57%) saying that better nutrition and mental health perks are more important than benefits such as laptops, company cars and pension plans.

Six in ten (61%) agree that workers today have different expectations of benefits than previous generations did, with one in two (53%) agreeing that young people can be unfairly judged for having high standards when it comes to their job and working environment.

Notably, nine in ten believe that employers need to be more creative in terms of the working environment and perks they offer if they want to keep people happy in the modern age.

Over a third admit that their parents or older people don’t take them seriously when they express a desire for certain perks or standards in a place of work.

Read more: Employees want bosses to pay for their commute to the office

Linda Blank, COO, Feedr, which conducted the research said: “There has been a lot of negativity around Gen Z’s expectations of work, however, they are the future workforce and it’s important to understand what matters to them.

“The research shows that young people want to feel supported, valued and respected in the workplace by employers who understand the benefits they want and value, from nutritious food to access to mental health support.

“Listening to employees and reacting to their needs can go a long way in attracting & retaining top talent and supporting a great employee experience."

HERE IS THE FULL LIST OF GEN-Z’S TOP DEMANDS FROM A JOB:

1. Flexible hours      45%
2. Getting your birthday off work   39%
3. A good coffee machine     28%
4. Working from home at least twice a week 27%
5. Gym membership    26%
6. A travel card      25%
7. Subsidised lunches   25%
8. Free fruit     24%
9. A relaxed dress code    20%
10. Office cakes and pastries on a Friday  18%
11. Team lunches and dinners  18%
12. Fun team away days    18%
13. Cycle to work scheme    15%
14. Friday afternoons off    15%
15. Access to a life coach or psychotherapist  15%
16. Access to professional financial advice  14%
17. Showers     13%
18. Bean bags or comfy break out areas  12%
19. Plant based milks to have with tea/coffee 11%
20. The chance to take a sabbatical   10%
21. Being able to bring your dog to the office 9%
22. A career mentor 9%
23. A smoothie/juice machine   8%
24. Hair dryers     7%
25. Yoga sessions   7%
26. Annual duvet day allowance   7%
27. Gluten or dairy free snacks   7%
28. A meditation room 5%