Beyond the traditional benefits, many companies are now offering niche perks to stay competitive and appeal to changing workforce expectations. Education-related benefits have become a powerful tool for retention and recruitment, helping employees enhance their skills while signaling an employer’s commitment to professional growth. Employers are expanding beyond traditional offerings, such as health insurance and retirement plans, to include mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and even niche perks like pet insurance. Yes, Government Executive can email me on behalf of carefully selected companies and organizations. The rule, https://financeswizards.com/achieve-success-management-guide.html however, was vacated by a judge in June 2026 following a lawsuit filed by a multistate coalition, which includes…
Cloud-based systems, secure collaboration tools, and mobile HR platforms keep teams connected and informed. Hybrid work has evolved from a short-term solution into a lasting feature of the modern workplace. Whether through paid family leave, surrogacy coverage, or flexible dependent-care programs, these offerings strengthen loyalty and retention while promoting overall well-being. As these sandwich-generation pressures increase, employers are expanding family benefits beyond parental leave to include eldercare support, flexible scheduling, and resources for diverse family structures.
- They are also an attractive offering for employers, Ryan said, as they provide flexibility in designing a program customized for specific workforce needs and are generally easy to administer.
- With planning for 2026 underway, many employers are taking a closer look at what their benefits say about their workplace — and whether those offerings still align with what employees value most.
- Unlock the trends shaping the future of employee experience—and build a package that works for everyone.
- How many and in what year—whether it’s 2024 or 2025—we will have to see, but we are fully confident that other employers will follow suit.”
UnitedHealth Group on Thursday became the second major health insurer in as many days to report strong second-quarter profits. Bills that would have penalized companies with workers enrolled in Medicaid failed in Washington state and Colorado this year.
AI in Benefits & HR: From Hype to Real ROI
His responsibilities include oversight of the existing benefits team and execution of growth initiatives through new producer hires, team lift-outs and additional acquisitions. The Orlando-based brokerage reported 42 employees following its acquisition of Jamerson-McLean in January 2025 and said it is targeting more than 60 full-time employees in 2026. Creating transparent career pathways, funding learning opportunities, and celebrating skill milestones build both confidence and retention. Employees want to grow with the organizations they join — and they’re choosing employers who invest in their development. By tackling financial stress through targeted workplace benefits, employers can reduce distractions, increase retention, and strengthen employee trust.
Mental Health As Essential, Not Optional
- Health insurance premiums have risen by an average of 177% on average across Dauphin, Cumberland, and York counties.
- The survey includes hundreds of findings about the prevalence and popularity of benefits — members can explore the full report at shrm.org/benefits.
- Trusted by thousands of HR leaders nationwide, SHRM’s Employee Benefits Survey gives you the insights to stay competitive and employee-focused.
- With 62% of employees saying social support is key to maintaining healthy habits, this kind of support is no longer “extra”—it’s essential.
- Expect organizations to increasingly tout available resources for employees, as well as consider new benefit offerings such as mental health days and mental health apps.
- The company said the facility will include training and event rooms intended to support hiring and internal development.
That’s largely a result of employee desire for the benefit, as well as employers trying to woo and retain talent, said Julie Stich, vice president of content at IFEBP. “As we continue to evaluate the ways we can support employees holistically, it’s important that we provide the tools, resources, and community they need to succeed and bring their full selves to work,” she said. That marks a rise in the benefit’s prevalence for the third consecutive year, up from 51% in 2024, 48% in 2023, and 47% in 2022. “It could be considered a benefit because it can make someone’s job easier, compared to what they may experience at another employer,” Stunes said.
Office move supports workforce growth
Walther’s background includes work with large organizations on loss-sensitive risk financing structures, based on company information released at the time. The survey includes hundreds of findings about the prevalence and popularity of benefits — members can explore the full report at shrm.org/benefits. This article includes insights from conversations with Jon Cooper and Anthony Knierim, recorded as part of “The Future Of Less Work” podcast.
“We’re seeing signs of worker financial stress as pandemic savings are depleted, debt loads increase and student loan payments restart,” said Timothy Flacke, co-founder and executive director of the Boston-based national nonprofit Commonwealth. “For companies who are already offering this medication as part of their benefits, they’ve also seen higher employee satisfaction as a result,” Wantuck added. But they’re extremely expensive and we don’t know the long-term side effects.’ Employers are deciding, ‘Is this the right thing to do? And companies are evaluating, ‘Do we offer this because we want healthy employees?
- Employers are building customizable benefit packages that adapt to employees’ unique life stages, family situations, and financial goals.
- In 2026, employees expect flexibility, personalization, and seamless digital experiences.
- As these sandwich-generation pressures increase, employers are expanding family benefits beyond parental leave to include eldercare support, flexible scheduling, and resources for diverse family structures.
- Launching or refreshing your employee benefits strategy doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Benefit Advisors Network (BAN) is pleased to announce that Phoenix-based Arcwood – a leading employee benefits, HR, and financial consulting firm – has been selected as the newest member. Spokane Valley, Washington-based Packard Wheeler Succession Joins the Benefit Advisors Network Benefit Advisors Network is pleased to announce that Gainesville, Virginia-based Capital Group Benefits has been admitted to its growing network of best-in-class agencies.
Here’s how to build a future-ready benefits program that aligns with your goals, your people, and your budget. Or offer a menu of family-friendly perks employees can select based on their needs. That means it’s not just a money issue—it’s a mental health, productivity, and retention issue. When employees see their feedback reflected in the perks you offer, they’re more likely to engage—and more likely to stay.
How many and in what year—whether it’s 2024 or 2025—we will have to see, but we are fully confident that other employers will follow suit.” Even before that announcement, many organizations were already having conversations about whether this type of shift is right for them,” said Jonathan Price, national retirement practice leader at benefits consulting firm Segal. “When pay transparency first became common, some companies put salaries with big ranges. Hawthorne agreed, saying conversations about pay transparency among organizations—even those in localities without any legislation mandating it—will continue in 2024.
“The Packing District is quickly becoming one of Orlando’s most dynamic business communities and the new space gives us the room and resources to continue building our team and better serve our clients for years to come.” The company said the facility will include training and event rooms intended to support hiring and internal development. Hatcher is preparing to relocate its headquarters from College Park to a 10,000-square-foot office in https://supiral.com/Speaking/speakers-are-at-stake Orlando’s Packing District, in a building developed by Dr. Phillips Charities. Executives at Unison have said the platform is pursuing additional acquisitions and talent recruitment across its partner firms.
A forward-looking 2026 benefits strategy — one that balances rising costs with personalization and wellbeing — can help build a stronger, more resilient workforce. As year-end approaches, it’s a good time to step back and reassess your benefits strategy. SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. The 2026 edition offers rich insights and tools tailored to help you benchmark, modernize, and stand out in attracting and retaining talent. In 2026, employees expect flexibility, personalization, and seamless digital experiences.
