Why early career support with financial wellbeing matters: insights from Deloitte's 2025 Gen Z and Millennial Survey

As organizations welcome new talent - apprentices, graduates, and early career professionals - it's imperative to recognize the evolving expectations and challenges faced by these generations. The 2025 Deloitte Global Gen Z and Millennial Survey sheds light on the financial stresses and aspirations of younger workers, emphasising the need for comprehensive support systems in the workplace.

Financial insecurity: a growing concern

The survey reveals that nearly half of Gen Zs (48%) and millennials (46%) feel financially insecure, a significant increase from the previous year. Furthermore, 64% of Gen Zs and 59% of millennials report living paycheck to paycheck, highlighting the pervasive nature of financial strain among young professionals.

The interplay between money, meaning, and wellbeing

Financial stress doesn't exist in isolation; it profoundly impacts overall wellbeing and job satisfaction. Among those experiencing stress or anxiety, 41% of Gen Zs and 35% of millennials attribute their feelings to concerns about their long-term financial future. This financial unease can diminish a sense of purpose at work, with only 44% of Gen Zs and 46% of millennials with poor mental wellbeing feeling their job allows them to make a meaningful contribution to society.

Rethinking traditional education paths

A notable shift is occurring in perceptions of higher education's value. Approximately 31% of Gen Zs and 32% of millennials have opted not to pursue higher education, citing high tuition costs and doubts about the return on investment. This trend underscores a growing demand for practical, real-world financial skills that can be applied immediately in their careers.

The role of employers in financial wellbeing

Gen Zs and millennials are increasingly looking to their employers for support beyond traditional job functions. They expect guidance in areas affecting their personal wellbeing, including financial health. Providing resources and training that address financial literacy can demonstrate an organisation's commitment to its employees' holistic development.

Introducing the financial foundations course

The Money First Aid Financial Foundations course offers fully online, self-paced training with clear, actionable guidance to help apprentices, graduates and early career professionals take control of their finances and build a solid foundation of financial knowledge and skills - so they can focus on their careers without money worries holding them back.

The course covers:

• Understanding payslips and income

• Making the most of workplace benefits and pensions

• Building financial resilience & managing debt

• Awareness of how to avoid common money pitfalls

• Skills to budget, save, and plan for the future

• Financial wellbeing and money mindset

• Goal-setting and financial independence

Benefits for employers

By offering the Money First Aid Financial Foundations course, employers can:

• Support the financial wellbeing and mental health of early-career employees

• Help young staff make better use of workplace benefits and available support

• Strengthen employee morale and loyalty by showing a genuine commitment to wellbeing

• Reduce the risk of losing talent due to financial pressures or stress

• Create a more open, empathetic culture around money and wellbeing

• Increase engagement and productivity by addressing the root causes of financial stress

• Enhance the appeal of your apprentice and graduate schemes to new talent

By proactively supporting the financial wellbeing of early career professionals, organisations can cultivate a more resilient, engaged, and productive workforce.

For more information on the Money First Aid Financial Foundations training course, contact us at support@moneyfirstaid.net.