What young people want from the future of workplace support

Personal Group’s series of Purpose Lab sessions explored what young people expect from employers as they prepare to enter the workplace. Across the sessions, students spoke at length about workplace wellbeing, health and protection products, graduate recruitment, benefits technology, life-event support and, most recently, expectations around pay, progression and workplace culture. 

The findings show that young people are not looking at employee benefits in isolation. They are thinking about it more holistically - whether an employer will pay them fairly, support their wellbeing, invest in their development, communicate clearly and help them manage the practical pressures that come with adult life. 

Financial stability was one of the strongest themes throughout the series. Students repeatedly linked work to independence, housing, bills, debt, saving and long-term security. Fair pay mattered, but so did transparency. Young people wanted clear salary information, visible progression routes and honest explanations of how pay decisions are made. 

Wellbeing was also understood broadly. Students saw mental health support, flexibility, financial guidance, practical health protection, mentoring and a healthy workplace culture as connected parts of the same picture. They were clear that support only works when people feel safe using it, without fear of judgement or career penalty. 

The sessions also showed that benefits need to feel relevant, accessible and easy to understand. When discussing cash plans and protection products, students responded best to simple, scenario-led explanations focused on real-life disruption, such as illness, recovery, rent and bills. When discussing the Hapi app, they wanted personalisation, useful rewards, simple navigation and content that feels current rather than corporate. 

A particularly strong theme was life-event support. Students wanted employers to recognise moments such as starting a first job, renting, buying a home, caring responsibilities, illness, further study and starting a family. These are the points where practical guidance, financial support and workplace flexibility can make the biggest difference. 

The key themes from throughout the series that were young people are not asking employers to solve every challenge, but they do expect clarity, fairness and practical support. Employers that can connect pay, benefits, wellbeing and development into one coherent offer will be better placed to attract, retain and build trust with the next generation of workers. 

Overall, the series shows Personal Group as a purpose-led leader and gives the organisation a strong evidence base for conversations with employers.