Gen Z wants their job to cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs, survey suggests
When it comes to deciding on a job, Gen Zers aren’t just thinking about paid time off, return-to-office mandates, or salary negotiations. They’re checking whether a company will cover GLP-1 weight-loss drugs—and they’re not alone. It’s a benefit that could actually push young employees from one job offer to another. In a new ZipHealth survey of more than 1,000 workers, nearly half (47%) of Gen Zers said GLP-1 coverage would affect their choice between two similar jobs—that’s compared to 35% of millennials and 36% of Gen X workers surveyed. In more extreme cases, another 7% of workers said they would be open to taking a pay cut if it meant working somewhere that offers GLP-1 coverage. That number rose to 9% among Gen Z. Overall, the majority (54%) of workers said they would give up at least one workplace perk for employer-covered GLP-1 treatment. One in eight would give up a full week of paid time off. GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic have completely changed the game when it comes to weight-loss and diabetes management, moving from celebrity circles to the mainstream. Originally developed to treat patients with diabetes, the prescription medications have proven effective in improving a number of conditions. Some pharmaceutical giants—like Indianapolis-based drugmaker Eli Lilly—have recently introduced platforms that let companies offer employees more affordable access to weight-loss medications. Last November, a KFF poll found that one in eight adults were taking a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, diabetes, or other conditions. In December, the Food
In recent years, the job market has seen a shift in priorities for younger workers, with Gen Zers now considering GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as a key factor in their job decisions. A new ZipHealth survey of over 1,000 workers reveals that nearly half of Gen Z employees (47%) would be influenced by the availability of GLP-1 coverage when choosing between two similar job offers. This compares to 35% of millennials and 36% of Gen X workers surveyed, highlighting a significant trend among the youngest workforce.
The survey also found that 7% of workers would be open to accepting a lower salary if it meant working at a company that offers GLP-1 coverage. This figure rises to 9% among Gen Z employees, underscoring the importance of this benefit for younger workers. Furthermore, the majority of respondents (54%) stated they would trade off at least one workplace perk for employer-covered GLP-1 treatment. In extreme cases, one in eight workers would even give up a full week of paid time off.
The growing interest in GLP-1 drugs stems from their effectiveness in managing weight loss and diabetes, as well as their ability to improve overall health. Originally developed to treat diabetes, medications like Wegovy and Ozempic have gained mainstream popularity, with a November 2023 KFF poll revealing that one in eight adults were using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, diabetes, or other conditions. In December 2023, the Food and Drug Administration approved Wegovy in pill form, making the drug more accessible to a wider range of patients.
Pharmaceutical companies, such as Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly, have recognized the potential of GLP-1 drugs in the workplace and have introduced platforms that allow companies to offer employees more affordable access to these medications. This shift has led to a call for GLP-1 coverage to become a standard benefit in the workplace. A 2025 survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans found that 55% of employers already provide coverage for GLP-1 drugs, but this is primarily for the treatment of diabetes.
The increasing demand for GLP-1 coverage in the job market reflects a broader trend of employees prioritizing health benefits and well-being. As younger workers continue to enter the workforce, companies that offer access to these medications may find themselves at a competitive advantage. The survey results suggest that offering GLP-1 coverage could be a key differentiator in attracting and retaining talent, particularly among Gen Z employees who are increasingly vocal about their health needs and expectations in the workplace.
In conclusion, the survey highlights a significant shift in the job market, with Gen Zers now considering GLP-1 weight-loss drug coverage as a critical factor in their employment decisions. As these medications become more mainstream and accessible, the demand for such benefits is likely to grow. Employers who prioritize the health and well-being of their workforce by offering GLP-1 coverage may find that they are better positioned to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive job market.
