What Employees Expect from a Competitive Benefits Package in 2025

As we head into 2025, the workforce's expectations for benefits are evolving, and employers must keep pace to stay competitive. A strong benefits package isn’t just a perk anymore—it’s a critical factor in attracting and retaining top talent. So, what exactly do employees expect from a competitive benefits package in 2025?

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Health insurance remains the cornerstone of any benefits package, but employees are no longer satisfied with just the basics. They want:

Lower out-of-pocket costs: Rising deductibles and copays are a point of frustration for many employees. Plans with reasonable deductibles, co-pays, and premiums will stand out.

Access to mental health support: Employees increasingly see mental health services as essential. Offering coverage for counseling, therapy, and even digital mental health platforms is now expected.

Telehealth services: Convenience is king, and employees want virtual access to healthcare.

Personalized Benefits Choices

One-size-fits-all benefit packages are losing their appeal. Employees want:

Customizable plans: Giving employees the ability to choose benefits that suit their unique needs—whether that’s enhanced dental care, additional mental health resources, or more flexible spending options like Emergency Savings Accounts and Health Savings Accounts—is key to creating a benefits package that feels personal.

Voluntary benefits, such as life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, and even non-traditional options like pet insurance, give employees the ability to add benefits that matter most to them. Since these benefits are often employee-paid, they can pick and choose which ones are worth investing in based on their individual or family needs.

Care Navigation Support

As healthcare options become more complex, employees expect guidance on how to navigate their benefits and make informed decisions about their care.

Employees want access to care navigation tools or professionals who can help them find the right doctors, specialists, or treatments based on their specific health needs.

They want tools that help them compare prices for procedures, medications, or services, and give them a clear understanding of what’s covered under their plan and what their out-of-pocket costs will be.

Dealing with insurance claims can be time-consuming and frustrating. Employees expect support with understanding their claims, resolving billing issues, and getting reimbursements faster.

Wellness Programs

Employee well-being continues to be a top priority. Today’s workforce expects wellness programs that address both physical and mental health, including gym memberships and fitness incentives, stress management tools like meditation apps, and wellness stipends.

Personalized health advice and coaching are increasingly seen as valuable benefits, helping employees navigate chronic conditions or improve overall wellness.

Benefit Portals with Self-Service Tools

Providing employees access to an online benefits portal or app where they can explore, compare, and select their benefits makes it easier for them to personalize their choices. If you can include decision-support tools, even better. Employees want help in understanding the value of each option based on their individual circumstances.

Conclusion

A competitive benefits package goes beyond traditional offerings. Employees are looking for flexibility, personalization, and support for both their professional and personal lives. To remain competitive, businesses must continuously adapt their benefits offerings to align with these evolving employee needs. Employers that meet these expectations will not only attract top talent but also create a more engaged and loyal workforce.