Paid Leave as a Priority for Gen Z Workers

• Gen Z’s Top Priority: Paid leave has emerged as the top priority for Gen Z workers, even outranking health insurance. A notable 69% of Gen Z workers view paid leave as a “must-have.”
• Parental Leave Expectations: There is increasing demand for paid leave for secondary caregivers and non-birthing parents (e.g., adoptive, foster parents). Paid parental leave has shifted from being a perk to an expectation.
• Employer Awareness Gap: Many employers still underestimate the value employees place on paid leave. One-third of employees consider mandatory paid time off their most valued benefit, a gap in employer awareness.

Rising Demand for Reproductive Healthcare Benefits

• Focus on Fertility and Pregnancy: Over 60% of Millennial and Gen Z workers prioritise fertility and pregnancy benefits when choosing a job. Fertility treatments, including IVF, are increasingly sought after as part of comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

Menopause Support Gains Attention

• Workplace Menopause Awareness: The demand for menopause-related workplace support is growing. Employees are increasingly seeking benefits that address menopause symptoms and create a supportive work environment.
• Business Case: Employers offering menopause-related benefits can improve retention, reduce absenteeism and enhance productivity. This trend also supports gender equality and could reduce legal risks related to discrimination.

Increased Transparency Around Work-Family Benefits

• Need for Benefits Transparency: Employees are demanding more transparency regarding work-family benefits, similar to the transparency seen in salary disclosures. These benefits often account for a significant portion of compensation, but many companies still fail to disclose key details.
• Public Campaigns: Initiatives like #ShowUsYourLeave and #WhatAreYourReproBenefits have highlighted discrepancies in paid leave and reproductive health benefits across companies. Firms with more transparent benefits tend to offer more generous plans, and candidates view this transparency as a sign of a company’s values.

These trends underscore the shifting priorities in employee benefits, with a growing emphasis on paid leave, reproductive healthcare, menopause support and transparent work-family policies. Companies that stay ahead of these demands are likely to attract and retain top talent in 2025. Atrium HR Consulting’s Employee Benefits team are up to speed with the latest developments in the sector.  Get in touch today to discuss revamping your business’s EB Strategy.