What wellness benefits do millennial and Gen Z workers want most?

Washington — Young adults looking for a new job or to change industries say paid time off and flexible work schedules are the benefits they value most, a recent survey shows. 

Researchers at Georgetown University, in partnership with Bank of America, conducted on online survey of more than 1,000 people between the ages of 24 and 34 to learn about their attitudes and priorities surrounding work.

The majority of respondents said paid time off (65%) and flexible scheduling (58%) have the most impact when choosing an employer. In fact, eight of the top 10 most desired wellness benefits involved some form of paid time off or a flexible-work arrangement. Also of note: 68% view their job mainly as a way to make a living and not as a major portion of their identity or personal fulfillment.

“To attract and retain young adult workers, employers need to take greater responsibility for their employees’ overall wellness by offering new benefits and encouraging utilization of existing benefits,” Kevin Crain, head of retirement research and insights at Bank of America, said in a press release.