Survey data from benefits platform Juno found that 72% of employers have increased their benefits spending per employee recently to attract and retain Gen Z talent. Meanwhile, one in four recent graduates expect businesses to provide “appropriate mental health support”, including access to counselling, therapy and more, according to HR platform iCIMS. Flexible working remains the most frequently advertised perk, with 121,977 relevant listings appearing on the Adzuna job search engine in July. Thousands of roles also offer four-day weeks and “work from anywhere” policies. Another 1,228 roles that promise “unlimited vacations.” Other popular perks included birthdays off (6,801 listings), free food or breakfast (3,580) and free gym membership (3,424), although the majority of companies offering the latter were gyms themselves. Aviva and American Express are currently showing roles with free exercise classes. More than 2,000 listings, including jobs advertised by Frankie & Benny’s and National Express, offered free advice to prospective employees. A further 146 jobs, including roles advertised by Thomson Reuters, promised “mental health days”. Laura Coccaro, of HR platform iCIMS, said Gen Z’s desire for mental health support at work was a result of “non-traditional” school experiences, internships and early careers. “Therefore, their mental health is now a priority and they expect support from their employer,” he said. Charlotte Obeney, 22, said she would only accept a job offer from a company offering free or reduced gym membership. The psychology graduate, who is currently looking for sustainability jobs in London, added that the company needs to have a culture where mental health support is not taboo and free therapy sessions are offered, “especially as a private visit is not an option for many and NHS waiting lists are so long.’ Charlotte added: “Having physical and mental health support is what really matters to me, more than salary and benefits. “A workplace that has this kind of culture is something I really look for when I’m looking for a job because I know I’ll be working with like-minded people in addition to the important perks I’m looking for.” For employers, investing in benefits that will attract younger applicants is one way to win the talent war as companies scramble to replace workers laid off during the pandemic. Adzuna’s Paul Lewis said workers would be “more willing to leave their jobs if their current company doesn’t align with their needs” amid the so-called Great Resignation. He said: “Flexible working is the top advertised work perk right now and that’s no accident. Employees are getting used to this new way of working and a better work-life balance. “There has also been a much-needed shift to supporting the mental health of colleagues, with incentives such as free counselling, mental health days and dog-friendly offices growing in popularity.”
