Millennials Expect Employers to Step Up When It Comes to Supporting Their Well-being, Survey Finds

As employers continue to get more involved in the health of their employees, a new report from Welltok found that millennials want employers to play an active role in not just their health, but also their overall well-being.

However, the report also suggested that employers are missing the mark. Using data from 330 millennials responding to an online survey in December 2018, the report revealed that 78% of millennials feel that employers are not doing enough to support their well-being.

“When it comes to health, millennials are playing a key role in forging the way for a broader, consumer-focused definition,” according to the report. “Being healthy to them is about more than not being sick. It is an ongoing commitment to their lifestyle—taking care of their body, being mindful and financially stable.”

With this broad definition of health in mind, the survey asked the millennials to rank their wellbeing priorities, which showed that the age group places greater emphasis on things like positive relationships and lower stress levels, rather than the workforce as a whole. Priorities included:

1. Financial stability
2. Positive relationships
3. Healthy eating habits
4. Appropriate level of physical activity
5. Manageable stress level
6. Adequate sleep
7. Find a higher purpose
8. Control or manage an existing health condition

Reviewing survey results, the researchers argued that an area in which companies can improve upon is making it easier for employees to find resources for their health. Just over 1 in 5 (23%) respondents strongly agreed that they know where to find all of the health and well-being resources provided by their employer. With 84% of the age group indicating that they’ve relied more heavily on technology to manage or support their health, the researchers suggested the avenue can be leveraged to streamline access to all programming.

What was also evident from survey results is that millennials want personalization. More than 60% reported feeling like everyone is offered the same resources and 62% said they have been offered irrelevant resources. However, 85% reported willingness to participate more in company programs if they received more relevant support.

“It is crucial for employers to start meeting the expectations of their younger workers when it comes to developing an effective and attractive wellbeing strategy,” sid Scott Rotermund, Welltok’s cofounder and chief growth officer, said in a statement. “Millennials spoke loud and clear: they want and expect personalized support that addresses their individualized needs—a single destination that incorporates a breadth of resources to truly support their total health and wellbeing needs.”

The report suggested this is possible by using consumer data, including social determinants of health, in order to gain deeper insights about the age group as individuals.

The report also put an emphasis on the role of stress in the workplace. More than 40% of millennials said that work stress is negatively impacting their life and more than half have seriously considered switching their work situation as a result of the stress.