Grounded in research, this toolkit shows what’s shaping their financial mindset, where engagement breaks down and how you can use practical tools, timely touchpoints and clear next steps to drive action.
This toolkit is informed by in-depth research that connects psychology to financial habits. Our research showed us that Gen Zs recognize the importance of saving for the future, but today's realities can make long-term goals feel harder to focus on and prioritize.
We turned that research into a report that highlights the unique challenges that Gen Zs experience and provides practical steps for employers to help their employees build financial confidence.
Employers have long recognized the value of workplace savings programs as an important part of supporting employees' financial well-being. As the workforce continues to evolve, however, so too do the needs, expectations and financial realities of the employees those programs serve.
Gen Z is becoming an increasingly significant part of the workforce, entering their careers at a time marked by rising housing costs, higher education expenses, greater job mobility and growing financial complexity. These dynamics are influencing how younger employees save, engage with workplace programs and make decisions about their financial future. In fact, Gen Z is withdrawing from RRSPs 12% more than Gen Y and 42% more than Gen X at the same age
This playbook explores practical, research-informed strategies to help employers continue delivering programs that remain relevant, valuable and effective for the next generation of workers.
1997 to 2012 | Gen Z
1981 to 1996 | Gen Y
1966 to 1980 | Gen X
1946 to 1965 | Baby Boomers
1928 to 1945 | Builders
It’s a relevance problem.
When younger employees understand and engage with their plan, your organization can benefit through:
This toolkit helps you understand what's driving these behaviours and identifies practical ways to support engagement, participation and long-term savings outcomes among Gen Z employees.
While education and communication remain important foundations, this toolkit explores how communication, plan design and the overall employee experience can work together to make workplace savings feel more relevant, actionable and motivating.
The opportunity is to deliver them in ways that resonate with a generation of early-career employees and the realities they face.
This toolkit is designed for:
Whether you currently offer a workplace retirement and savings plan or are considering one, these resources can help improve engagement with younger employees.
First module:
The Gen Z engagement context
This publication provides general information applicable to group benefit plans and is based on information available at the time of publication, which is subject to change.