“New Research Reveals Gen Z Workers Face Financial Strain and Look to Employers for Support”
New research has been released by Boostworks, a leading provider of employee reward, recognition, and benefits solutions, shedding light on the financial struggles of Generation Z workers. The nationally representative survey of over one thousand 18–28-year-olds found that nearly half of Gen Z employees are experiencing financial strain and are turning to their employers for support.
According to the survey, 44% of Gen Z employees say that financial worries distract them at work, with 19% admitting to constantly worrying and struggling to concentrate. Additionally, nearly 11% report having missed work entirely due to financial stress.
The data also highlights the financial fragility of the UK’s youngest employees, with less than half (45%) feeling fairly compensated amid the rising cost of living and only one in three (32%) having £1,000 or more in emergency savings. In light of these challenges, 55% of Gen Z workers are considering taking on a side hustle or second job, with 19% already working on one.
The survey also revealed clear calls from Gen Z workers for practical support from their employers. Almost 60% of respondents currently rely on workplace vouchers or rewards to assist with day-to-day costs, and two thirds (74%) would welcome access to employer-provided financial education and planning.
When asked what types of support would help them feel more financially secure, over half (55%) said they preferred either shopping discounts or cashback or reward points redeemable for vouchers or products. In addition, 35% said they would appreciate employer contributions to savings or investment accounts, and 50% still place a high value on performance-based bonuses.
The research also suggests that many Gen Z workers feel pressured to attend the office despite limited incentives. A quarter (25%) feel compelled to come in ‘unnecessarily’, while 34% believe they are not adequately rewarded for doing so. Furthermore, nearly a third (28%) reported being offered new perks or benefits to support their return to the office, but 12% said they were not appealing. The most popular incentives for Gen Z workers to come into the office more often were free food and bonuses (47%), followed by additional holidays (45%), flexible office hours (37%), and commuting allowances (35%).
Jo Werker, CEO at Boostworks, commented on the findings, stating, “This research paints a stark picture of the financial pressures facing Gen Z as they enter the world of work, but it also gives employers a roadmap. Yes, this generation is facing real economic strain, but they are also clear about what would help: practical financial support, flexibility, and fair recognition.”
With an estimated 400,000 GCSE and 300,000 A-level students expected to transition into work or training this summer, employers have a real opportunity to engage the next intake by providing tangible support that makes a genuine difference to their economic stability.
The research was conducted amongst 1,200 employed people aged 18-28, with 501 polled by Censuswide between 02.06.2025 – 05.06.2025 and the remaining 699 polled by Boostworks between 09.06/2025 – 13.06.25 as part of a wider anonymous survey, reaching 5,609 people employed either full time or part time in the UK.
Boostworks is a prominent provider of employee reward, recognition, benefits delivery, and wellbeing solutions in the UK. The organization helps companies to empower their people, making them feel celebrated and respected every day through its employee engagement and recognition platform. With flexible programs and technology, companies can actively promote engagement strategies, employee motivation, and improved business performance. Boostworks distinguishes itself from others in the industry by recognizing the uniqueness of each individual and placing flexibility at the heart of their offering.
Boostworks’ clients include Costa, easyJet, BMW Mini Rolls-Royce, RAC, Olympus, Coventry Building Society, Heathrow, and many more. For more information, visit www.Boostworks.co.uk.
According to the latest exam data, an estimated 400,000 UK students will finish their GCSEs (age 16) and 300,000 will finish their A-levels (age 18) this summer and many will transition directly into work or training.