Why Gen Z Overlooks Workplace Benefits, and How Leaders Can Help
Workplace benefits, retirement planning, and wellness solutions matter deeply to today’s multigenerational workforce, maybe more than ever. Yet they’re too often misunderstood, which leads to underutilization, especially among younger generations. We have to change that.
What our Gen Z research shows about benefits
In our State of Gen Z national research, Gen Z places a very high value on benefits, retirement planning, and wellness. Yet study after study shows Gen Z has a limited understanding of these employment resources. A large percentage of Gen Z doesn’t believe they’ll ever be able to afford to retire, which makes early action even less likely yet even more important!
So why does Gen Z overlook benefits they actually value?
The gap isn’t about caring. It’s about clarity. When benefits feel complicated or hard to access, even a generation that wants them will leave them on the table.
Here’s what helps close that divide:
- More resources that meet Gen Z where they already are
- Better education on how benefits actually work
- Easier-to-use workforce solutions that lower the friction
Keynoting Lincoln Financial’s Workplace Solutions event
That’s why I was so honored to keynote Lincoln Financial’s Workplace Solutions national event. They’re helping clients of all sizes and complexity deliver actionable workplace solutions for their employees. After my extensive research on benefits, retirement, and wellness across generations at CGK, it was inspiring to hear how their solutions come to life.
What I loved most was the candid conversation in the room. Leaders from across sectors shared what’s actually working right now, and Lincoln leaders shared insights from serving so many organizations at scale. That kind of honest exchange is valuable, actionable, and important.
I’ve now spoken at more than five(!) very different Lincoln events, and I’m genuinely grateful for their consistent collaboration, commitment to excellence, and relentless focus on helping organizations support their employees. A highlight this time: every attendee received a signed copy of Zconomy, which always gets me fired up after writing that book for more than two years!
Most of all, it’s energizing to see leaders at every level committed to helping every generation unlock their potential and build a better life. BIG kudos to the entire Lincoln Financial team. The energy in the room was awesome!
To learn more about my customized keynote programs, visit my speaking page.
Gen Z doesn’t ignore benefits because they don’t care. They opt out when the value isn’t made clear.
Q: Why does Gen Z overlook workplace benefits?
A: In CGK’s State of Gen Z national research, Gen Z places high value on benefits, retirement, and wellness, but has a limited understanding of how these resources work, which leads to underutilization.
Q: Do Gen Z employees care about retirement?
A: Yes. Gen Z values retirement highly, yet a large percentage doesn’t believe they’ll ever be able to afford to retire, which makes early action even more important.
Q: How can leaders help Gen Z use their benefits?
A: More resources, better education, and easier-to-use workforce solutions are what’s needed to bridge the divide between valuing benefits and actually using them.
Posted: July 2nd, 2026
Categories: Generations | Inspiration | Keynote Speaking | Leadership | Trends | Workforce
Written by Jason Dorsey
Jason Dorsey is an acclaimed generations and behavioral researcher and speaker. He's received over 1,000 standing ovations for his unique keynote presentations. Jason has led over 200 research studies. Adweek calls him a "research guru." His mission is to deliver new insights and practical strategies that solve business challenges for leaders.
