What are the most important benefits to employees?

Employee expectations are evolving fast. In today’s market, the best employee benefits are no longer just a nice-to-have—they’re essential for attracting and retaining top talent. For benefits brokers, CHROs, CFOs, and business leaders at companies with 20–500 employees, understanding which benefits matter most is crucial. This guide breaks down the most important benefits to employees, highlights trends among companies with best employee benefits, and offers practical insights for building a benefits strategy that works in 2025.

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Why Employee Benefits Matter More Than Ever

Benefits aren’t just a line item in your budget—they’re a direct driver of employee satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Companies with best employee benefits consistently outperform their peers in productivity and retention, with highly rated benefits and compensation correlating to 56% lower attrition rates. In a competitive labor market, offering standout benefits is one of the most effective ways to future-proof your organization and keep your workforce happy.

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Today’s employees expect more than just a paycheck. They want to feel valued, supported, and secure in both their professional and personal lives. When companies invest in comprehensive benefits, they’re investing in their people’s well-being and future. This, in turn, drives loyalty, reduces costly turnover, and helps build a positive employer brand that attracts high-caliber talent. For brokers and HR leaders, understanding the shifting landscape of employee needs is the first step toward building a benefits package that delivers real value.

The Most Important Benefits to Employees in 2025

Health Insurance: The Cornerstone of Any Benefits Package

Employer-covered healthcare remains the most valued benefit for U.S. employees. In a recent survey, 67% of workers and 68% of employers named health coverage as the top priority. Robust health plans—including medical, dental, and vision—help employees feel secure and focus on their work, not their medical bills. The best employee benefits packages go further, offering telemedicine, mental health support, and health savings accounts to address diverse needs.

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For many, health insurance is the deciding factor when choosing between job offers. With rising healthcare costs, employees are looking for plans that not only cover the basics but also provide access to preventive care, specialist visits, and prescription drugs. Companies with best employee benefits also offer options for dependents, flexible spending accounts, and even coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care. The shift toward Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA) platforms, reflects the growing demand for flexibility, allowing employees to choose plans that fit their unique health needs and life circumstances.

Mental Health and Well-Being Support

Mental health is now front and center. Companies are expanding access to therapy, mental health days, and digital wellness tools. About 19% of employers offer paid mental health days, and the trend is growing. Comprehensive mental health benefits reduce burnout and absenteeism, boost productivity, and foster a supportive culture.

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The stigma around mental health has lessened, and employees expect their employers to recognize the importance of emotional well-being. Leading organizations offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mindfulness apps, and confidential counseling services. Some even provide onsite wellness rooms or subsidize memberships to meditation platforms. By normalizing conversations around mental health and providing tangible resources, companies demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being.

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Flexible Work Arrangements

The shift to hybrid and remote work is here to stay. Flexible hours, remote work options, and compressed workweeks are among the most valued perks. Nearly half of remote employees say they would quit if forced back to the office full-time. Companies with best employee benefits, like Google and HubSpot, offer flexibility as a core part of their culture.

Flexibility is no longer just about where you work—it’s about when and how you work, too. Some organizations now offer four-day workweeks, job-sharing arrangements, or flexible start and end times. These policies help employees balance work with family responsibilities, continuing education, or personal interests. For employers, flexibility can mean higher morale, better productivity, and a broader talent pool unconstrained by geography.

Paid Time Off and Parental Leave

Generous paid time off (PTO), holidays, and parental leave are highly prized. Employees value the opportunity to recharge and care for their families without financial stress. Companies such as Netflix and Spotify stand out for unlimited vacation and extended parental leave. These policies help reduce burnout and improve work-life balance.

Beyond the basics, some companies have introduced “recharge weeks,” mandatory breaks, or sabbatical programs for long-tenured employees. Parental leave policies are expanding to include not just maternity, but paternity, adoption, and even foster care leave. The best employee benefits packages also offer phased returns to work, childcare stipends, and backup care solutions, supporting parents and caregivers at every stage.

Retirement Plans and Financial Wellness

Retirement benefits, such as 401(k) plans with company match, are a close second to health insurance in employee priorities. Financial wellness programs—including student loan repayment, debt payoff assistance, and financial planning workshops—are increasingly popular, helping employees plan for the future and reduce stress.

Financial insecurity is a growing concern, especially among younger workers burdened by student debt. Companies with best employee benefits are responding with creative solutions: matching student loan payments, offering emergency savings accounts, and providing access to certified financial planners. These programs not only support long-term security but also help employees manage day-to-day financial challenges.

Family-Friendly and Lifestyle Benefits

Support for families goes beyond traditional health and retirement benefits. Childcare assistance, fertility benefits, and eldercare support are becoming more common, reflecting the needs of a diverse workforce. Lifestyle perks—like gym memberships, wellness stipends, and even pet-friendly offices—help employees feel valued and supported in all aspects of life.

Some organizations partner with childcare providers or offer onsite daycare, making it easier for parents to balance work and family. Fertility benefits, including in vitro fertilization (IVF) coverage and adoption assistance, are increasingly important for employees starting or growing families. Even pet insurance and pet-friendly workplaces are gaining traction, recognizing the role pets play in employees’ lives.

How Companies with Best Employee Benefits Stand Out

Industry leaders like Apple, Google, HubSpot, Netflix, and Starbucks have set the bar for employee benefits. Here’s what they have in common:

• Comprehensive health and wellness coverage (medical, dental, vision, mental health)
• Flexible work arrangements (remote, hybrid, flexible hours)
• Generous PTO and parental leave
• Retirement plans with strong company match
• Personalized and customizable benefits packages
• Support for professional development and education
• Family-friendly policies (childcare, fertility, eldercare)
• Perks that enhance daily life (wellness stipends, free meals, employee discounts)

These companies regularly earn top workplace awards and high employee satisfaction scores, proving that investing in benefits pays off in engagement and retention.

What sets these organizations apart is their commitment to listening to employees and continually evolving their benefits offerings. They use regular surveys, focus groups, and open feedback channels to ensure their benefits remain relevant. Many also provide flexible “cafeteria” style plans, allowing employees to pick and choose the perks that matter most to them. This level of customization is increasingly expected, especially as workforces become more diverse in age, background, and life stage.

Trends Shaping Employee Benefits in 2025

Personalization and Choice

One-size-fits-all benefits are out. Employees want options that fit their unique needs—whether that’s more PTO, better mental health coverage, or support for family planning. 

This trend is driven by the recognition that employees’ needs change over time. Younger workers may prioritize student loan repayment or professional development, while older employees may value retirement planning and healthcare. By offering a menu of options, employers empower their teams to build a benefits package that truly fits their lives.

Technology and Accessibility

Digital tools are transforming benefits administration. AI-powered platforms streamline enrollment, provide personalized recommendations, and make benefits easy to access from anywhere. Telehealth and virtual wellness programs are now standard, especially for remote and hybrid teams.

Technology also enables better communication and education about benefits. Interactive dashboards, mobile apps, and chat support help employees understand their options and make informed decisions. For brokers and HR leaders, these tools reduce administrative burden and improve compliance tracking.

Focus on Total Well-Being

The best employee benefits now address physical, mental, and financial health. Wellness programs, preventive care incentives, and financial education are integrated into leading benefits packages, reflecting a holistic approach to employee well-being.

Some organizations are taking well-being even further by supporting social connection, community involvement, and purpose-driven work. Volunteer days, donation matching, and sustainability initiatives are increasingly part of the benefits conversation, helping employees feel connected to something bigger than themselves.

Building a Competitive Benefits Package: What Matters Most

When designing your benefits package, keep these principles in mind:

• Listen to your employees: Survey your workforce to understand their needs and preferences.
• Prioritize flexibility: Offer options that cater to different life stages and priorities.
• Communicate clearly: Make sure employees understand their benefits and how to use them.
• Stay compliant: Keep up with changing regulations and ensure your benefits meet all legal requirements.
• Leverage technology: Use user-friendly platforms to simplify benefits management for HR and employees alike.

It’s also essential to benchmark your offerings against companies with best employee benefits. Regularly review industry trends, competitor practices, and employee feedback. 

Companies with Best Employee Benefits: Real-World Examples

These companies are recognized for their innovative and employee-centric benefits, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

It’s worth noting that these organizations didn’t achieve their status overnight. They continuously invest in their people, pilot new programs, and adapt to changing employee expectations. Their success stories offer valuable lessons for companies of all sizes: prioritize employee well-being, embrace flexibility, and don’t be afraid to innovate.

The Venteur Difference: Flexible, Employee-Centric Benefits

Venteur’s approach to benefits is designed for the modern workforce. Our Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangement (ICHRA) platform puts flexibility and choice at the center, empowering both employers and employees. With Venteur, companies can:

• Offer a wide range of health insurance options tailored to individual needs.
• Simplify benefits administration with a user-friendly, AI-powered platform.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations.
• Integrate seamlessly with existing HR and payroll systems.
• Access expert support for plan design, implementation, and ongoing management.

For employees, this means greater control over their health coverage, the ability to take their plan with them if they change jobs, and access to educational resources that make benefits easy to understand. For employers and brokers, Venteur delivers cost savings, happier employees, and a future-proof benefits strategy.

Final Thoughts

The landscape of employee benefits is more dynamic than ever. The most important benefits to employees are those that support their health, well-being, and financial security—while offering flexibility and personalization. Companies with best employee benefits don’t just attract talent; they keep it, driving long-term success for both employees and employers.

At Venteur, we’re committed to making it easy for companies to offer flexible, individualized benefits that employees truly value. With our user-friendly, AI-powered platform, you can future-proof your benefits strategy and empower your workforce to perform their best—today and tomorrow.

Ready to build a benefits package your employees will love? Venteur’s platform is designed for modern companies and brokers who want to offer the best employee benefits—simply, flexibly, and cost-effectively.

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