What benefits are most important to employees
Flexibility
Flexibility has quickly moved from a nice-to-have to a must-have for employees. In fact, MetLife reports that 55% of people now see flexible working arrangements, including the option to work remotely, as essential when considering a new role.
This tells us one thing: flexibility is no longer optional if you want to attract and retain top talent. But it goes beyond just remote working.
Take holiday trading schemes, for example. Allowing employees to buy extra annual leave through their net pay (with tax and NI savings) gives them more time for what matters most, whether that’s family, travel, or simply a well-earned day to recharge.
Flexibility can also be built into the everyday. Offering early finishes, extended lunch breaks, or more autonomy over the working day helps people shape work around their lives, rather than the other way round.
And then there are flexible benefits. By giving employees the freedom to choose the perks that suit them best, you’re not only boosting engagement, but also improving ROI on your benefits package, because people are far more likely to use what’s genuinely useful to them.
Health & Wellbeing
According to MetLife, 86% of employers believe they have a responsibility for supporting the health and wellbeing of their employees. But to make a real impact, you first need to understand what your people are struggling with, so you can tailor support in the right areas.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as having open conversations. Regular check-ins can highlight what benefits employees value most in the UK and give you a sense of where your wellbeing strategy should focus.
When designing a wellbeing offering, consider the different pillars of health: physical, mental, and financial. Each requires a slightly different approach:
- Physical health: Options like a health cash plan can help employees manage everyday healthcare costs, while annual health assessments can provide early detection for a wide range of issues.
- Mental health: An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) can give staff confidential access to professional support, counselling, and resources when they need them most.
- Self-care and lifestyle: Resources such as Caboodle’s Healthy Living Library provide employees with valuable information and tools to support their overall wellbeing day-to-day.
- Taking a rounded approach ensures you’re covering the diverse needs of your workforce, and showing employees you genuinely care about their wellbeing.
Financial
Financial health is just as important as physical or mental wellbeing, and for many employees, it starts with feeling fairly rewarded. According to the CIPD, 80% of employees say that pay rises, bonuses, and promotions are key to their sense of financial wellbeing.
But salary isn’t the whole story. Employers can take additional steps to ease financial pressures and help employees feel more secure about their future. That’s why financial wellbeing should always be a central consideration when shaping your benefits strategy.
The challenge? Everyone’s financial needs look different. Some employees may be focused on building long-term stability, while others might want short-term support for everyday expenses. Offering choice is key.
- Financial planning services: Giving employees access to expert advice on budgeting, pensions, mortgages, or investments can help them take control of their financial future.
- Savings schemes: Simple tools like a workplace savings club encourage employees to put money aside for what matters most - whether that’s a holiday, Christmas, or general savings.
- By giving employees these kinds of practical tools, you not only support their financial wellbeing, you also show that you understand the diverse challenges they face.
Discounts
Helping employees build healthy financial habits is important, but sometimes, the most meaningful support is the kind that makes everyday life a little easier.
For many people, the benefits that matter most are those that make a real difference to them and their families. And when it comes to financial wellbeing, one of the simplest and most effective ways to do that is by helping reduce everyday expenses.
That’s where instant discounts come in. By giving employees access to savings on essentials like food, shopping, and travel, as well as treats like days out or dining, you’re helping their money stretch further. Better still, these discounts often stack on top of existing sales promotions, making them even more valuable.
The best part? Discounts appeal to a wide workforce because there’s something for everyone. Whether it’s a weekly grocery shop, school holiday activities, or a family meal out, instant discounts provide practical, everyday value that employees will use again and again.
Delivering the Benefits Your Employees Value the Most
Creating a benefits package that truly supports your employees is about more than ticking boxes, it’s about understanding what benefits are most important to employees and offering practical solutions that improve their wellbeing, flexibility, and financial security. By tailoring your approach, you can boost engagement, satisfaction, and retention across your workforce.
Explore how a carefully designed employee benefits package can make a real difference for your team. From flexible working options and health support to financial wellbeing and instant discounts, there are so many ways to show your employees you value them.
Ready to see it in action? Take a quick tour with our 4 minute demo and discover how PeopleHR makes managing and delivering employee benefits simple, efficient, and impactful.
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