Employee Wellness Resource Hub

In the ever-evolving landscape of the modern workplace, employee benefits have transitioned from mere perks to strategic tools for talent acquisition, retention, and overall employee satisfaction. They aren’t just a part of an employee’s compensation package; they’re a marketing tool that companies can use for effective recruitment. As we look to the future, HR leaders must stay ahead of the curve to ensure their organizations remain competitive in attracting and keeping top talent. Here are ten emerging trends in employee benefits that are shaping the future of work.

The gap between what employees want from their benefits and what employers offer continues to grow. While traditional offerings like health insurance and retirement plans are still valued, they’re no longer enough to differentiate employers in a competitive talent market. Expectations have evolved—and fast.

Investing in mental health isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a business decision. But for many organizations, the question remains: does it actually pay off? The short answer: yes—if it’s done right.

Stress is a common challenge within the U.S. workforce. In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, more than three-quarters of American workers reported experiencing work-related stress in the last month. Deadlines, financial pressures, personal responsibilities, and unexpected life events can all contribute to heightened anxiety and burnout, as well as higher risks of mistakes or injuries, increased absenteeism and presenteeism, and more. As an employer, creating a supportive environment is essential for helping your team thrive, both personally and professionally.

A challenging job market, new workplace demands driven by emerging technology, and concerns over job longevity and security are all contributing to stress among workers these days. Add to that an environment in which many employees are grappling with low wages and increasing work demands, and it’s no wonder that companies of all kinds are seeing increasing discontent and dissatisfaction. Yet, despite these challenges, recent studies show a significant number of workers are not utilizing their entitled paid time off (PTO), leaving valuable rest and recuperation time unused. Why the disconnect?

Communication today feels like a relentless loop of Zoom calls, Teams meetings, and overflowing inboxes. We jump from task to task, rarely pausing to think, breathe, or connect. Even a well-intentioned text can land wrong, leaving teammates feeling more isolated than ever. Nearly half of workers—45%— feel emotionally drained by the end of the day and 44% report burnout. This isn’t just about exhaustion; it’s about disconnection. Workplaces are struggling to navigate conflict, foster meaningful relationships, and adapt to new norms. Innovation and collaboration are suffering as a result.

It shouldn’t be surprising to anyone that people develop friendships at work. After all, work is where most working-age adults spend about half of their workdays. There are plenty of benefits to office camaraderie. According to a new MyPerfectResume Friendships in the Workplace report, 73% of employees credit their workplace friendships with improving collaboration, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

A quiet day at the office (including the home office!) can be a relaxing experience for many employees—a chance to catch one’s breath and step out of the fast lane for a change. But for some workers, anything less than peak performance can actually lead to feelings of stress and anxiety.

Your boss sends an email at 5:00 AM, your teammate pings you on Slack at 10:00 PM, and your co-worker is firing off emails from a beachside cabana on vacation. Problematic? Maybe not. For many workers, the real problem isn’t the timing—it’s the pressure. Must you match their availability? Seventy-one percent of employees say they don’t mind getting emails or messages outside of work hours as long as they don’t feel pressured to respond immediately. That’s according to the Motives Met Work-Life Harmony Report, which surveyed 1,600 full-time working adults across the U.S.