Designing a benefits package that employees appreciate requires understanding what they actually value — which isn’t always what employers assume. Here’s what the data says about employee benefits priorities.
Health Insurance Is Still #1
Consistently across surveys, employer-sponsored health insurance ranks as the most valued employee benefit — above retirement plans, paid time off, and everything else. Employees who lose health coverage through their employer report it as one of the most significant financial stressors they face.
Predictability Over Flashiness
Employees value plans where they know what they’ll pay. A plan with higher premiums but predictable copays is often preferred over an HDHP with lower premiums but unpredictable out-of-pocket costs — especially among employees with families or chronic conditions.
Network Access Matters
The ability to keep their existing doctors is a top priority for many employees, especially those managing ongoing health conditions. A plan that forces them to switch providers generates real resentment, even if the premium is lower.
Mental Health Coverage Is Increasingly Important
Access to mental health services — therapists, psychiatrists, substance use treatment — is no longer a “nice to have” for many employees. Plans with strong mental health parity and in-network behavioral health providers are valued, especially by younger workers.
Dental and Vision
Employees notice when these aren’t offered. Dental and vision costs are predictable and recurring — and employees feel the gap when their employer doesn’t cover them.
The Transparency Factor
Employees feel better about their benefits when they understand them. Clear communication about what’s covered, how to use the plan, and how to get help makes employees feel more secure — and more appreciative of what their employer provides.
Designing a package employees actually value is something we help with. Talk to Garden State Benefits about your next open enrollment.