A new survey has indicated that workers from the Gen Z generation are the most vocal when it comes to calling for enhanced well-being, sustainable and digital benefits in the workplace, and considering seeking employment elsewhere if their needs are unmet. The Compass Group, a world leader in food and support services, conducted the study in collaboration with global intelligence agency Mintel.
Compass Group’s Global Eating at Work Survey is one of the largest surveys to interview multi-generations worldwide. Over 35,000 workers were questioned in 26 countries regarding workplace preferences, including views on eating, digital adoption, health and mental well-being.
The Covid-19 pandemic and global cost of living crisis have made employees more mindful of what they should expect from an employer. Across all ages, 72 percent of Australian workers believe employers should be doing more to support staff with the cost of living. A further 46 percent of Australian workers surveyed said they feel less loyal to their employer since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The list of worker demands for what they expect from employers is also evolving, with the provision of food being cited as a major asset in the war for talent, especially for Gen-Z workers. The survey found that 71 percent of Gen-Z and 70 percent of Millennial workers say that an on-site cafeteria would have a positive influence when choosing an employer, with only 34 percent of Baby Boomers agreeing.
Younger generations of Australians also said that a sustainable and healthy food outlet at work would be paramount, with all generations agreeing that food outlets should assist when choosing a healthy alternative. Younger generations are also driving a meat-free trend in the workplace, with 67% of Gen-Z workers advocating for more plant-based options, compared to just 44% of Gen X and 35% of Baby Boomers.
Of all generations surveyed, Gen-Z workers are the most likely to order from a digital food service, helping to improve productivity and health at work. Of those surveyed, 74 percent of Gen-Z are happy to order food and drinks via an app whilst at work, compared to just 19 percent of Baby Boomers.
Managing director of Compass Group Australia, Jop Taylor, said that employees’ attitudes and behaviours have changed in recent years, and even more since the Covid-19 pandemic. Taylor also said that regardless of age, employees value wellness at work.
“The ease and availability of nutritious food, alongside dedicated eating areas, is a key factor in helping to attract, motivate and retain the best talent. This presents exciting new opportunities for employers to meet growing demand with workplace dining facilities and tech-enabled solutions,” said Taylor.
Four generations were surveyed in the study, with the oldest demographic being Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1965. Following on is Generation X, made up of those born between 1966 to 1980. Millennials were born between 1981 and 1995, with Generation Z born between 1996 to 2010.
