Half of employees in the UK (51%) are keen to see their company invest more in sustainability, rising to 61% of younger workers aged 18-34, according to new research from employee benefits technology company Zest.

The research also found that 53% would like to see their company investing in more sustainable benefits such as electric vehicles and sustainable pensions, similarly rising to two-thirds (66%) of 18–34 year olds.

Meanwhile, 44% of businesses report an increase in the number of employees asking for sustainable benefits, and over half (53%) say that they have noticed an increase in the employees who care about sustainability over the last year.

While half (50%) of young workers (18-34) now say that sustainable benefits are the most important perks to them, a third (33%) of this age group believe that their employers do not care about sustainability.

The research showed the impact of this disconnect, particularly as younger generations increasingly enter the workforce. Two in five (42%) aged 18-34, believe that poor sustainability initiatives have a detrimental impact on their morale at work. This not only leaves existing employees demotivated, but businesses at risk of failing to attract fresh talent.

Matt Russell, CEO of Zest, said, “It’s been a difficult few years for businesses, and the reality is that many – often not by choice – have been forced to put their sustainability initiatives on hold. Yet with the next generation increasingly populating the workforce, many of whom are naturally engaged in sustainability initiatives that will support their future, businesses must adapt to these changing demands.”