How Gen Z and Millennials are Redefining the Benefits Landscape

The workforce is changing and so are employee expectations. Gen Z and Millennials aren’t just looking for a paycheck and a health plan. They’re seeking benefits that reflect their values, life stages, and long-term goals.

As younger generations step into adulthood—buying homes, starting families, and caring for aging parents—they’re redefining what meaningful support looks like. And estate planning is quickly emerging as a benefit that meets the moment.

New Generations, New Priorities

Gen Z and Millennials are rewriting the rules of workplace culture—and that includes how they view employee benefits. Unlike previous generations, who often prioritized salary and job security above all else, today’s younger workforce is seeking more than just a paycheck. They want employers who recognize the full picture of what it means to live a balanced, fulfilling life. That means support for mental health, flexibility in where and how they work, and meaningful tools that help them build financial stability and long-term security.

This shift in priorities is backed by numbers. Millennials now make up the largest portion of the U.S. workforce, and Gen Z isn’t far behind. Together, they’re influencing companies to rethink outdated benefits in favor of options that feel more personal and future-focused. From digital wellness tools to estate planning resources, they expect their employers to offer support that reflects where they are in life, and where they’re headed. It’s not just about perks anymore. It’s about values.

Benefits That Reflect Today’s Realities

Today’s younger workforce is navigating complexities that traditional benefits weren’t built to support. Many Millennials have become part of the so-called “sandwich generation”—caring for aging parents while raising young children of their own. Gen Z is entering adulthood with unique concerns of their own: digital privacy, student loan debt, and the desire to plan ahead for the unexpected. Both generations are signaling a shift in what truly matters: not just getting through today, but protecting tomorrow.

Trust & Will’s internal data shows that over 76 percent of users who completed their will did so for the very first time. Many of them are Millennials and Gen Z, prioritizing guardianship for minor children—and even for pets—as part of their estate plans. Gen Z, in particular, is digital-first and deeply values privacy. Our research found that 56 percent of Gen Z and 39 percent of Millennials do not want their families to have access to their emails, direct messages, and texts after they’re gone.

Retirement planning is also showing up earlier in the conversation. Both Millennials and Gen Z understand that financial wellness isn’t just about budgeting, it’s about building a foundation for the future. Offering benefits like estate planning gives these employees tools to plan for real-life scenarios, including digital security, long-term care decisions, and ensuring their loved ones are supported—whether they’re two-legged or four.

Estate Planning Isn’t Just About Death. It’s About Life.

Estate planning may sound like something you do much later in life—but for Gen Z and Millennials, it’s about gaining clarity and control now. A comprehensive estate plan provides:

• Guardianship designations for parents with young children or even pet owners

• Health Care Documents in case of medical emergencies

• Asset planning for homes, digital assets, and investments

• Peace of mind that loved ones won’t be left with confusion or legal complications

At Trust & Will, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of members, many in their 20s and 30s, create plans that reflect their current lives and future goals.

Final Thought: Empowerment Is the New Expectation

Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping the modern workplace—not just through how they work, but through what they value. They’re asking employers to go beyond surface-level perks and offer support that reflects real life: caring for loved ones, building financial security, and preparing for the unexpected. From flexible scheduling to estate planning, today’s most impactful benefits are personal, future-focused, and deeply human.

To stay competitive, employers must evolve their offerings to match these rising expectations. It’s not just about recruiting top talent—it’s about retaining it by showing you understand what truly matters. Benefits like digital estate planning signal that your company is thinking ahead, and so are your people. Give them tools that support their lives beyond the office, and they’ll give you loyalty that lasts.

Interested in offering estate planning as a benefit? Connect with Trust & Will’s Partnerships Team to learn how you can bring meaningful, modern support to your workforce.

Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.