In 2025, employee benefits continue to dominate HR agendas, according to SHRM’s newly released survey of nearly 4,000 U.S. HR professionals. Healthcare, retirement, and leave policies remain top priorities as organizations strive to attract and retain talent.
The survey highlights how employee benefits are central to workforce strategy, especially in managing rising healthcare costs and supporting multigenerational needs. A staggering 88% of HR professionals rated health benefits as extremely or very important, while 97% of organizations confirmed offering general health plans.
Dental (99%) and vision (96%) coverage also remain widely provided, underlining the growing importance of holistic employee benefits packages.
Additionally, retirement savings and leave benefits tied for second place in importance both cited by 81% of respondents. As rising costs challenge employers, 73% plan to enhance value or shift to better vendors, aiming to optimize their employee benefits strategy.
GLP-1 drug coverage has also entered the scene. Though only 23% of employers cover these expensive treatments, it reflects an emerging trend in health-related employee benefits.
Retirement remains vital. 93% of respondents offer a 401(k) or similar plan, and 85% provide an employer match averaging 6.3%. However, only 4% of organizations offer student loan-linked matching benefits despite regulatory support from the SECURE Act 2.0.
Paid caregiver leave saw a drop in 2025, now offered by just 31% for immediate family and 17% for extended relatives. This highlights a gap in employee benefits offerings despite growing caregiving needs.
As HR departments evolve, the focus on strong, scalable, and inclusive employee benefits has never been more critical to workforce engagement and retention.
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News Source:Hrdive.com
