January In-The-Know

Mental Health: A Cross-Generational Issue with Uneven Emphasis

Mental health is an example of how different age groups view healthcare—and why waiting until a crisis occurs is a losing strategy. For Benefits Consultants, understanding these generational shifts is key when assisting clients in designing plans that drive positive outcomes.

According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), 47% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials report experiencing work-related stress weekly, compared with 27% of Baby Boomers and Traditionalists. Nearly one-third of Gen Z workers report feeling depressed at least once per week, and 61% say they would consider leaving a job for better mental health support (SHRM, 2023–2025).

Notably, different generations have very different "comfort levels" with mental health care. Younger employees often view mental health support as a standard workplace requirement. They expect easy, digital-first access and proactive resources. Older employees, however, may still face a stigma around seeking help or prefer more traditional, private ways to access care. Helping your clients structure their benefit plans to support the needs of each generation can reduce long-term physical health risk and improve overall workforce resilience.

Healthcare Delivery Preferences: Digital Access and Traditional Care

When advising clients on plan design, it's clear that "how" employees get care is just as important as "what" care they receive. Different age groups have very different habits, making a hybrid approach essential for a successful benefits strategy.

Recent data highlights a significant gap in how generations choose to interact with the healthcare system. eMarketer reports that Gen Z and Millennials use telehealth for urgent care and mental health services at rates of approximately 20–27%, compared with 12% for Gen X and 5% for Baby Boomers. Younger workers are also more likely to engage with patient portals and mobile health tools, particularly when they are easy to use and clearly guide next steps.

At the same time, older workers continue to prefer in-person primary and specialty care, valuing the “human touch.” A JD Power study found telehealth satisfaction is significantly higher among younger patients, reinforcing the importance of hybrid models that combine digital convenience with trusted in-person care.

For the Tech-Focused generations, ensure the plan includes robust, high-quality digital tools and telehealth options that simplify the "navigation" of care. For the Traditional generations, maintain strong networks that protect established provider relationships and easy access to in-person specialists. By balancing digital convenience with trusted face-to-face care, you can help your clients build a plan that feels personalized, regardless of their birth year.

Preventive Health and Care Across the Lifespan

Despite differences in how generations want to access care, one thing is universal: prevention is the key to lower costs and healthier employees.

While the goal of prevention is the same, the focus changes as employees age. Research published in Frontiers in Public Health shows that older adults tend to prioritize chronic disease management and routine screenings, while younger adults emphasize early intervention, behavioral health, and overall “wellness.” A PubMed-indexed review similarly finds that consistent preventive care across the lifespan is associated with improved long-term outcomes and reduced system strain.

These findings reinforce the value of tailoring preventive strategies by life stage while maintaining broad access to essential services. As a consultant, your value lies in helping clients bridge these gaps to reduce long-term strain on their health benefits plan designs.

Strategy in Action: Workforce Benefits Planning Tips

Based on current utilization trends, here are three ways to help your clients build more effective health benefit plan strategies:

Treat Mental Health as Essential Care

Look beyond EAP. Provide tools that are visible, accessible, and normalized, so employees are more likely to address issues early, preventing high-cost claims later.

Support Multiple Pathways to Care

Ensure your clients’ plans support a mix of digital and in-person options. Pair digital tools with strong in-person care options so employees can access care aligned with the severity of their condition.

Strengthen Preventive Care Engagement

Use clear, age-appropriate communication - like text alerts for younger staff and personalized letters for older staff— to encourage timely use of preventive services.

Generational differences in healthcare preferences are signals—not barriers. Across age groups, mental health support, accessible care delivery, and preventive engagement consistently emerge as priorities. The goal remains the same: meeting employees where they are.

By suggesting flexible, data-informed strategies you help your clients support their teams today while protecting the plan’s financial health for the future.