To attract GEN Zs, employers urged to focus on well-being, ESG

MANILA  -Employers should place strong emphasis on health and well-being, as well as address pressing issues such as environmental, social and governance (ESG) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to better attract and retain Gen Zs in the workforce, according to consulting firm Mercer.

Rohan Muralee, country leader at Mercer Marsh Benefits Philippines, cited the results of their 2023 Health on Demand Report, which highlighted that Gen Zs—typically people born from 1997 to 2012—put a lot of value on well-being.

“Employers have a unique opportunity to demonstrate authentic leadership by prioritizing employee benefits and designing health-care programs that align with Gen Z’s well-being priorities,” Muralee told the Inquirer in a recent interview.

“Embracing innovative approaches to health care that effectively address real problems in a convenient manner enables employers to meet the well-being expectations of this generation successfully,” he added.

In the report, 53 percent of Gen Zs trust their employers to provide quality personal health solutions, while 58 percent said they were more open about discussing mental health at work.

Pressing issues

The Mercer executive also said that Gen Z employees are less influenced by employer brand recognition and are more concerned about how companies address pressing issues such as ESG, DEI and community involvement.

“They expect their employers to take an active stance on these matters, aligning with the company’s purpose and values. By addressing these issues, companies not only showcase a commitment to social responsibility, but also significantly impact the attraction and retention of Gen Z talent in the workforce,” said Muralee.

As new entrants to the workforce, Muralee said Gen Z workers had “unique needs” compared to more experienced generations, highlighting several notable trends that are particularly important to this age group which comprise a quarter of the global workforce.

Financial pressures

“Gen Zs values support in coping with financial pressures. Financial well-being is now considered an essential element of workforce health strategy, alongside physical, mental and social health,” he said, adding that this generation seeks advice and guidance from employers amid rising disposable incomes and the more complex financial environment of today.

He added that Gen Zs seek assistance in adapting to work realities, highlighting that returning to on-site work and engaging in regular face-to-face interactions with teams and managers can become a culture shock for this generation.

“It is crucial for employers to help Gen Z ease back into the workplace, making this transition meaningful and impactful,” he added.