“It’s easy to look at employee benefits as a list of perks, a nice to have but not essential,” says Shearman. “But employee benefits have moved on significantly. Today’s workforce is savvier, they want wellbeing, not perks - benefits that genuinely make a difference to their day-to-day lives.”
Health and wellbeing now top the list of the most coveted benefits. Many employers are turning to digital health apps that provide quicker access to GPs, but it is mental health support that employees see as essential.
According to a recent study by Zest, 83% of businesses say their employees are demanding wellbeing benefits
“Immediate access to a counsellor or therapist is a vital benefit,” Shearman explains.
Recent NHS data analysed by the charity Rethink Mental Illness, found that 16,522 people are still waiting for mental health treatment after 18 months
“Getting the same support through the NHS can often mean long, frustrating waits. In the workplace, having mental health support readily available can be the difference between someone thriving or struggling.”
This shift, Shearman says, is also a response to gaps in public services. “How can we be happy if we are physically or mentally unwell? Employee benefits that keep us well, especially mentally, are crucial not only to enjoying our lives outside of work but also to being effective at work.”
Unlike perks, which may save an employee money but have little impact on the business, wellbeing-focused benefits bring measurable returns.
Shearman says: “A gym membership might be a nice extra, but the business sees little benefit from it. By focusing on employee wellbeing, the organisation reaps the rewards of a healthier, happier workforce.”
Another trend on the rise is the demand for flexibility and personalisation.
“In the past, just offering any mental health support was enough to tick a box. The problem is, off-the-shelf solutions are limited. Every employee is different, and support needs to be tailored to them if it’sgoing to have the biggest impact. Otherwise, staff stop using the benefit altogether.”
For Shearman, the message is clear: “The benefits that truly matter today are those that make a real difference. Employers who prioritise wellbeing and flexibility are the ones who will retain engaged, motivated, and loyal staff.”
