September 29, 2025
Generosity Across Generations: What Today’s Workforce Really Wants
Nearly 4 in 10 Millennials and Gen Z employees are actively seeking new opportunities, while just a fraction of Baby Boomers are doing the same. The gap points to a bigger truth: while today’s cooling job market may keep people in their seats, it doesn’t necessarily spark motivation or long-term loyalty. New findings from the 2025 Generosity by the Generations Report reveal how much workplace loyalty is shaped by how generous a company is perceived to be — and what generosity actually means differs dramatically across generations.
Flexibility emerges as a surprising priority. While conventional wisdom often suggests younger workers push hardest for flexible schedules, it’s actually Baby Boomers who value it most. More than half of them (54%) see flexibility as the ultimate sign of generosity, more than twice the rate of Gen Z. For younger workers, flexibility is important, but mental health support ranks just as high, signalling that their view of a supportive employer goes beyond where and when they work.
The research also highlights rising scepticism among younger generations. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z say businesses are a mix of good and bad forces in society, and many doubt that workplace generosity is authentic. In fact, 43% of Gen Z employees have already quit a job because they didn’t feel their employer was genuinely generous — a rate four times higher than Baby Boomers. For leaders, this means culture-building isn’t just about perks; it’s about trust and authenticity.
Flexibility For the Win
When it comes to productivity, flexibility again leads the way for most employees, especially Millennials, Gen X, and Gen Z. But older workers often point to resources, better tools, equipment, and technology as the real keys to higher performance. Gen Z stands apart by ranking mental health support as their second-most important productivity driver, almost triple the rate of older generations.
Despite the generational divides, one common thread unites the workforce: the importance of leadership. Employees across all ages agree that accessibility at the top defines a generous workplace culture. Beyond that, priorities branch out, as Gen Z wants to see diverse perspectives reflected in decisions, Millennials and Boomers look for transparent communication, and Gen X puts its faith in clear company values that shape daily work.
Generosity isn’t one-size-fits-all, but when it’s practised with intention, it can build loyalty strong enough to withstand any economic cycle.
Similarly, we saw what different generations expect from healthcare careers, and what organisations can do to better recruit, support, and retain talent.
