What the Latest Surveys Reveal About Employee Expectations
Recent national surveys offer a clear, numbers driven picture of what employees value most — and where employers are investing to stay competitive. Here are the most significant findings, grouped by survey.
SHRM 2025 Employee Benefits Survey
Sources: SHRM Executive Summary; SHRM press release; LinkedIn summary of SHRM data
Health & Core Benefits
- 97% of employers offer general health coverage
- 99% offer dental coverage
- 96% offer vision coverage
- 88% of employers say health benefits are “very” or “extremely” important — the highest ranked category
- 81% of employers rank retirement savings and leave benefits as top priorities
- 93% offer a 401(k) plan, and 85% of those include a match
- 76% now offer a Roth 401(k), up 12% since 2021
- 60% of employers offer hybrid work options
- 55% help cover home office equipment costs
- Wellness and lifestyle perks are declining, including smoking cessation programs, onsite flu shots, and stress management offerings
- 16% of employers now cover GLP 1 drugs for diabetes and weight management — a notable 2025 trend
- Executive and leadership coaching is rising, with 47% of employers offering it
- Source: ADP survey results
- 56% of employees rank compensation as their top work consideration
- 94% say medical insurance is a top request
- Demand for 401(k) plans has risen from 30% in 2018 to 62% today
Employees are signaling a desire for stronger financial security, more robust medical coverage, and benefits that adapt to their life stage and personal needs.
Across both surveys, the message is consistent: employees want comprehensive health coverage, flexible work options, stronger retirement support, and benefits that feel personalized. Employers who respond to these expectations are gaining a clear competitive edge in today’s labor market.
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What the Latest Surveys Reveal About Employee Expectations
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