Half of teenagers would prefer to be happy in their future job than be paid a lot

A poll of 500 13 to 18 year olds found 46% already know they want their career to align with their values. While nearly eight in 10 (77%) are already considering how important mental health support is in the workplace, as 74% believe it will make employees happier and want to stay at their jobs, and 36% say no colleagues will ever feel 'left out'.

On the other hand, only 8% are bothered about company-wide events. And they would be more likely to take a job with free private healthcare (17%) than a company car scheme (7%).

Dr. Amy Pressland, a spokesperson from Benenden Health, which commissioned the research as part of its'Future of Work' report, said: "This research demonstrates a distinct step-change for the next generation of workers and what's important to them.

"Employers need to urgently consider what this means for how they design workplaces, roles and employee benefits. The company car and the Christmas party may become de-prioritised as Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) join the workforce.

"Front and centre for Gen Alpha is health - they are the generation most concerned with mental health, supporting neurodiversity, and will prioritise employers who align with their concerns and values."

The study went on to poll the teen's parents which found 54% are worried about their children entering the workplace. Their key reasons being the skills taught at school being different to what's needed in a professional environment (41%), and fears that the workplace could be toxic (39%).

While 27% are afraid their young adults won't like the culture. However, 85% believe the attitudes to working have changed since they started their first job.

With 39% recognising the uptick in mental health support and 53% noticing more flexible working patterns. And 35%, encouragingly, think it has become more supportive in recent years.

In a separate poll of 500 HR professionals, also conducted by OnePoll for the healthcare provider, it was revealed 59% have seen younger generations wanting different benefits to their predecessors.

These perks include more flexible hours, remote working and increased mental health support. As well as gym memberships, private healthcare and pet-friendly offices.

Dr. Amy Pressland from Benenden Health added: "With Generation Alpha mere years away from entering the workforce en masse, now is the time for employers, CEOs, IT and HR directors to consider how they must adapt their workplaces to attract the most diverse and digitally-savvy generation to date."