Generational divide in workplace wellbeing support revealed by new UK research

A growing gap has emerged in how supported employees feel at work during periods of stress or illness, with younger workers reporting significantly more positive experiences than their older colleagues. 

New research commissioned by Verve Healthcare, based on a survey of 2,000 UK employees, found that nearly three quarters (74 per cent) of those aged 25 to 34 feel supported by their employer when experiencing work-related stress or illness. 

This compares with fewer than half (45 per cent) of employees aged 55 and over, highlighting a clear decline in perceived support as age increases. 

Support levels among employees aged 35 to 44 stand at 67 per cent, followed by 61 per cent among those aged 18 to 24 and 56 per cent among 45 to 54-year-olds. 

The findings point to a shift in how workplace wellbeing is experienced across generations. While younger employees appear to be benefiting from greater openness and visibility around health and wellbeing, older workers may be less consistently supported. 

Steven Pink, CEO of Verve Healthcare, said: “There is real progress here and we should not dismiss it. A generation of workers is entering employment expecting their employer to take their health seriously and, in many cases, that expectation is being met. That is real progress and it shouldn’t be dismissed. 

“But the generational divide is too big to ignore. If support lands for some groups but not others, it’s not a wellbeing strategy. The sharp drop among older employees tells us that many businesses still don’t have a reliable system for identifying and supporting people when their health starts to deteriorate.” 

Verve Healthcare suggests the gap reflects how many organisations still approach workplace health, often relying on a collection of initiatives rather than structured, consistent systems of support. 

This can result in uneven employee experience, where some groups benefit from modern wellbeing culture while others fall outside of it. 

Steven Pink added: “What younger workers have benefited from is a cultural shift – more openness, more visibility, more conversation. That is genuinely positive. But culture alone does not treat a health condition or prevent long-term absence. 

“Real support means identifying health risks early and making sure people of all ages have access to the right help before problems escalate. Otherwise too many employees will continue to fall through the cracks.” 

For employers, the findings highlight a growing challenge in delivering consistent workplace wellbeing support across a multi-generational workforce. 

As expectations around employee health continue to evolve, the focus is shifting towards more proactive, structured approaches that ensure support is accessible, visible and effective for all employees, regardless of age.