Summary: A recent TruHearing survey shows that younger employees, including Gen Z, are increasingly concerned about hearing loss and are looking for hearing healthcare as part of their employee benefits package.
Takeaways:
- Among employees aged 25-44, 99% believe it is important for employers to offer hearing benefits, up from 93% in 2023.
- Gen Z already experiences a 17% rate of hearing loss, making early detection and hearing care essential for younger workers.
- Offering hearing benefits can help employers attract and retain Gen Z employees, who prioritize personal health and wellness in their job selection.
As Gen Z employees continue to populate the workforce, a new survey reveals that hearing loss and hearing healthcare are increasingly on the minds of younger employees, according to TruHearing.
Interest in Hearing Care from Younger Populations
TruHearing conducted its fourth annual Hearing Loss in the Workplace survey, uncovering the evolving healthcare needs of U.S. employees, which includes a growing demand for hearing benefits among younger populations.
In fact, among those aged 25-44, nearly every respondent (99%)1 agreed it is important for employers to offer hearing benefits as part of their overall employee benefits package, an increase from 93% in 2023. Additionally, 83% of that same age group agreed that early detection of hearing loss is important, closely aligned with older respondents aged 45-64 (89%).
Gen Z and Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is often misconstrued as a health concern only among older populations, but hearing loss among Gen Z is already at 17%2. Between loud concerts, sporting events, frequent video gaming and daily headphone use, hearing loss is affecting people at younger ages, and employers who offer a hearing benefit have an opportunity to stand out to candidates and current employees.
Gen Z consistently rates personal finance and personal health as top concerns for the future3, making robust benefits packages even more attractive to Gen Z employees.
“Health and wellness are top priorities for Gen Z, and it’s clear that hearing health is part of that whole health mindset,” says Ryan Baum, VP of business growth at TruHearing. “The next wave of employees entering the workforce will bring with them a desire for an employer and a benefits package that match their priorities, and hearing benefits present a pivotal opportunity for employers to show that employee health and wellness is their top priority as well.”
References:
- Hearing Loss in the Workplace Survey. 2024
- https://americanhearing.us/hearing-loss-among-millennials-gen-z/
- https://www.harmonyhit.com/state-of-gen-z-mental-health/
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