24 April 2026

What are Generation Z's favourite employee benefits?

Two young people shaking hands

The arrival of the Generation Z (born between 1997 and 2012) entering the labour market is not just an evolution. It is an authentic revolution in terms of priorities, expectations and demands. If previous generations valued stability and salary progression above all else, Generation Z aspires to to work in companies where experience, flexibility and well-being are at the centre.

According to the study Occupational Health and Wellbeing in Spain from Edenred and Savia, one in four young people (the 24%) would leave their company if they don't find a good working environment. Thus placing the work climate and the Team cohesion as the most important factor of their “emotional salary”. The challenge for HR is evident: if the company doesn't look after motivation and the environment, Generation Z will leave without looking back.

Table of contents

What factors does Generation Z prioritise when choosing an employer?

For young people Salary is losing prominence and satisfaction comes from other factors much more related to everyday life and overall well-being. Only the 41,7% of them place financial reward as their top priority. The lowest figure across all generational groups.

Instead, they value:

  • Good atmosphere and team cohesion For a 24%, it is the absolute priority that defines their continued membership in the organisation.
  • Labour flexibility 17.3%% identify it as the most important and it is the generational group that prioritises it the most.
  • Work-life balance for 49.5%% is a determining factor in whether to stay or change company, and 43.7%% consider it “important but not decisive”.
  • Physical and mental well-beingThe 30.1% aspires to have complete health coverage as its main benefit, making it easier to take care of themselves day-to-day.
  • Mobility and commuting distance el 70,1% afirman que el trayecto diario supone una barrera para conciliar su vida personal y profesional.

What benefits truly attract young talent?

Generation Z prioritises more solutions immediate, customisable, and connected to your daily well-being before other long-term advantages such as pension plans or life insurance. Therefore, the essentials for young people are:

  • Transport and mobility support (34.1%): prefer companies that facilitate access to work and that are committed to Sustainable, economical, and compatible solutions for commuting to the office.
  • Medical or health insurance (30.1%): to have easy, agile and flexible access to Physical and emotional well-being services It is a high priority for young people.
  • Wellbeing services (29.6%): they prefer access to physical well-being activities such as yoga, physiotherapy and nutrition, or access to mental well-being apps.
  • Flexible and healthy food value being able to choose, saving time and enjoying a quality diet, both in the office and working from home.
  • Work-life balance increasingly young people are requesting direct aid in childcare services so that we can be at ease during the day.
I want to offer benefits to my teams already!

How does Edenred respond to the needs of Generation Z?

Edenred becomes the ideal strategic partner for companies that want to retain young talent, offering solutions focused on personalisation, flexibility, and holistic well-being:

Ticket Restaurant: food that adds time and health

  • With Ticket Restaurant save time and enjoy balanced and healthy meals, whether they are working from home or at the office.
  • This benefit can be used in a wide Restaurant network, making healthier routines tailored to any schedule easier.
  • Prioritise the Real rest during the working day, fostering disconnection and sociability with colleagues.

Edenred Health Insurance: 360º wellbeing

  • The Edenred Flex Health Insurance, offers comprehensive medical coverage and agile access to Physical and mental health services (psychology, nutrition, physiotherapy, etc.).
  • Help businesses position themselves as places where personal and emotional health care is a pillar of internal culture.
  • It can be combined with other wellness programmes, promoting prevention and healthy habits.

Edenred Mobility: Responds to the transport challenge

  • Edenred Mobility allows companies save being 100% tax-deductible for corporate income tax purposes and professionals also benefit because They do not pay income tax on the travel pass.
  • Thanks to the Virtual card, users can pay for transport quickly and easily using their mobile or Mastercard, thereby improving their daily experience.
  • By opting for Edenred Mobility, the company strengthens its sustainable brand image and contributes to a greener mobility For all teams.
I want my Flexible Benefits Plan.

Other benefits of interest to young people 

Edenred Guardería: conciliation for young parents

  • Edenred Guardería makes it easy Work-life balance, helping workers with young children reduce their daily stress.
  • It is compatible with other public grants and offers access to a extensive network of nurseries so that each family can choose the best option adapted to their needs.
  • Encourages the Gender equality by favouring a better distribution of family responsibilities, with professional support and advice available to each user.

Edenred Flex: all in one

  • With Edenred Flex Manage all your benefits from one Centralised platform, in real time and with full control from any device.
  • Design Benefits packages tailored to each professional and improves adhesion with automatic communications and a 100% digital and multilingual experience.
  • It is supported by specialists, analyses KPIs, savings and adherence, and uses tools such as savings calculator to take advantage of every benefit efficiently.

Conclusion: The Generation of Daily Well-being

Generation Z has made it clear that they are looking for much more than a salary. They want To feel comfortable, looked after, and in control of their work experience. To retain this talent, companies must invest in flexible, practical, and easy-to-manage wellbeing policies.

At Edenred, we help organisations lead this change and design benefits designed for the present and the future from an increasingly young, digital and demanding workforce. Contact us now and connect with the new generation of professionals.

Edenred Spain