Benefits Take Center Stage in the Job Market

The number of employees who are willing to pay for better benefits has rebounded following a dip during the pandemic, according to a Willis Tower Watson survey. The importance of health and retirement benefits to attract and keep workers is at its highest level in a decade, according to the survey of more than 9,600 U.S. employees.

“While employees still look at pay as the most compelling reason to stay or leave a company, health and retirement benefits have become a much more significant factor in their decision-making process,” said Monica Martin, the firm’s Senior Director.

Employee health is an important issue for 33% of respondents. Of those, 46% want a more generous health care plan; 42% say that health screenings and risk assessments would help them manage their health; and 37% want a more generous dental plan.

Employees also want help managing their emotional health, with 27% ranking it as a top priority. Of those employees, 53% want mental health days; 40% want stress and resilience management support programs; and 39% want more generous coverage of mental health services and medication.