If you’re looking to attract the top talent today, employees often choose companies with the most robust benefits packages. So, what benefits are most important to employees? Here are 7 benefits that employees are searching for.
1. Family-Focused Benefits
Today, many employees look for employers with paid parental leave. According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 27% of private sector employees have access to paid family leave. Additionally, adoption benefits, such as adoption leave financial assistance, and coverage for fertility treatments are of high priority for many employees. According to the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans (IFEBP), 42% of companies offer fertility benefits.
2. Retirement Plans with Employer Match
Many employees are cognizant that retirement planning is essential for their future financial health. Not only do retirement benefits with employer match set employees up for a better future, but they also come with significant tax benefits for businesses. Employers may be eligible to deduct up to 25% of 401k compensation to employees. Learn more about employers helping employees plan for the future through group 401(k) plans that enhance retirement readiness and employee retention.
3. Flexible Schedules
Many employees have voiced the desire for a condensed work week, such as a 4-day week. While this might not fit the needs of every business, there are ways to offer flexible schedules. Businesses can also offer employees a hybrid work schedule with fewer days in the office, or a fully-remote position.
The Global Work-Life Survey found that 41% of in-office personnel are experiencing burnout, while only 26% of remote workers experience burnout. Additionally, 65% of remote workers said they were extremely satisfied with their jobs, compared to only 34% of office-based employees answering the same. Flexibility in the workplace matters and leads to happier, healthier, and more productive employees.
4. Generous and Flexible PTO
Along the same lines, employees look for companies that offer generous or unlimited PTO. According to the 2024 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey, only 7% of employers offer unlimited paid time off. This number is increasing as employees start to demand better work-life balance. This is an opportunity to set your company apart from others by offering a generous PTO plan.
5. Comprehensive Health Insurance
A survey by SHRM found that 56% of Americans who have employer-sponsored health benefits included in their benefits packages consider their health coverage a key factor when deciding to stay at their current job. 46% said health insurance was a deciding factor when choosing their current job.
6. Student Loan Repayment Assistance
Considering most employees carry some kind of student debt, one of the benefits most important to employees is student loan repayment assistance. As of January 2025, about 42.7 million Americans have federal student loan debt and carry an average of about $40,000 in loans. According to Paycor, studies show that 86% of workers would commit to an employer for five years if the employer offered student loan support.
7. Mental Health and Wellness Benefits
Implementing mental health and wellness benefits can have a great return on investment as well as boost employee morale and health. Consider offering programs like a gym reimbursement, a stipend for purchasing books, health coaching, and access to counseling.
What benefits do you think are most important to employees? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.
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