Most Gen Z and millennial workers would ditch jobs for greater wellbeing
Contributing factors to workplace satisfaction include health and wellness goals, nutrition and sleep, and intentional longevity.
Nearly three-quarters of young workers would “quit their job tomorrow” if a different one better supported their wellbeing. That’s just one revealing finding in the “2024 State of Healthy Eating and Wellbeing Report” from Lifesum, a leading healthy eating platform.
The report, which surveyed 10,000 members of Gen Z and millennials, also found that 69% of respondents would be more productive if their employer improved their wellbeing, while 31% would consider a pay cut in exchange for a happier and healthier work environment.
“The report is a wake-up call for employers to grasp the needs of Gen Z and millennials who are redefining company loyalty by prioritizing personal wellbeing in career choices,” Lifesum CEO Markus Falk said. “The report underscores how a nutrition-first approach can foster long-term wellbeing, benefiting mental, physical, and emotional health. This, in turn, enhances workplace productivity and satisfaction.”
The report analyzed factors that contribute to a fulfilling work experience, including health and wellness goals, nutrition and sleep, and intentional longevity.
- Health and wellness goals: When asked about their top three health and wellness goals, Gen Z and millennials prioritize physical fitness (88%), mental health and stress management (71%), and sleep quality (54%). Functional foods that achieve health goals emerged as a key trend, with 73% of respondents eating for enhanced energy, 61% for improved mental health, and 40% for better sleep.
Emerging 2024 trends will include a rise in adaptogenic foods known for their stress-relieving properties (such as mushroom latte powders) and sleep-inducing foods rich in melatonin and magnesium, according to the report.
- The nutrition-sleep connection: The report unveiled the intricate interplay between nutrition and sleep among Gen Z and millennials. Half of respondents believe their dietary decisions “very much” influence their energy levels during the day, while 83% express a likelihood to modify their eating habits to improve sleep quality.
Emerging 2024 trends will include a rise in foods with sleep-inducing substances and greater adoption of tech-enabled solutions that allow users to understand how diet impacts their sleep patterns — and vice versa.
- Nourishing longevity: The report also identified how Gen Z and millennials are trailblazing the longevity movement. When asked about health and wellness goals, 51% of respondents claimed they actively engaged in practices that promote longevity and wellbeing, while 56% considered taking immediate action to enhance longevity.
Related: Nearly half of workers say that wellbeing benefits make the employer more attractive
Emerging 2024 longevity trends will see a rise in personalized nutrition programs, the adoption of sustainable and mindful eating habits, and increased utilization of mental health programs.
“Organizational culture plays a pivotal role in shaping employee wellbeing and workplace outcomes,” Falk added. “The report underscores how Gen Z and millennials use nutrition to promote overall wellness across various aspects of their lives. This will have a knock-on effect for employers and pave the way for nutrition-first corporate wellness strategies that optimize employee health and productivity.”