A 2025 Bank of America survey found 27% of full-time Gen Z workers receive stock awards, more than any previous generation, as young employees seek workplace perks such as 401(k)s and health savings accounts. The survey covered 941 full-time employees with 401(k) plans.
Bank of America workplace benefits executive Stacy Bucchere said Gen Z workers are seeking stock awards as part of their pay packages, with the awards serving as a retention strategy and a negotiating lever. Caeli, an app for buying benefit-eligible items, estimates workplace perks account for 30% of workers’ total compensation; 42% of employees do not take advantage of them.
Bank of America data says Gen Z workers start saving for retirement at 24 on average, compared with 34 for Boomers. The survey also found 84% of Gen Z workers feel confident they are on track for retirement, versus 79% of Boomers. A World Economic Forum report found more than half of Gen Z learned about investing before starting work, compared with 20% of Boomers.
