As employee wellbeing continues to take centre stage, new research reveals that increased pension contributions and private healthcare are among the top benefits workers are seeking for 2025, highlighting a growing desire for both financial security and holistic support.
The research, by employee benefits technology provider Zest, shows that 30% of employees are calling for higher employer pension contributions this year, with this figure jumping to 41% for those aged 55 and over. As financial security becomes more critical, especially for older workers, boosting pension contributions is seen as a key way for employers to support long-term wellbeing.
With employers required to contribute a minimum of 3% towards employee pensions, increasing contributions would help employees continue building their retirement savings without needing to compromise on short-term financial demands. This reflects a broader shift towards looking after employees’ financial health as part of their overall wellbeing.
Private medical insurance: Crucial support for employee health
Private medical insurance remains highly sought-after, with 29% of employees prioritising this benefit for 2025. This need is even more pronounced among workers aged 55 and older, where 39% are calling for private health coverage.
The growing pressure on NHS services, alongside the rising costs of private healthcare, make this benefit especially important for workers looking to secure timely and quality care.
Tackling rising living costs with practical wellbeing support
With the cost of living continuing to rise, employees are looking for practical support to ease the strain on their finances. One in four (23%) employees want employers to contribute to energy costs at home, while the same proportion are requesting discount vouchers for high street shops and brands.
These benefits not only help workers manage their day-to-day expenses but also contribute to their overall sense of wellbeing by providing financial relief.
Wellbeing benefits for mental and physical health
Employees are also looking for support to manage their mental and physical health. 19% of workers would like a wellbeing allowance to spend on personal items, while 16% are advocating for paid mental health leave. These benefits recognise the importance of a balanced, healthy life and reflect a growing commitment from employers to support workers’ wellbeing beyond just financial needs.
Benefits for firms and workers
Zest CEO Matt Russell said there were several benefits for companies that boost workers’ pensions. “Continued economic challenges mean many employees are looking for long-term financial support from their employer – increasing pension contributions is one of the most effective ways to reward employees and attract new talent.”
He added that “[i]n an climate where many people have been forced to dip into their savings, employers who increase pension contributions can ensure their employees continue to build retirement pots, without impacting their day-to-day finances.”
Russell stressed the need for firms to understand their employees’ needs. “Employers must ensure they listen to which benefits are most important to their employees – this is vital to boost morale and productivity, providing organisations with a competitive edge. In order to do this, employers need to use benefits technology that enables them to track the uptake on specific benefits, communicate with employees to understand their needs, and adapt the support on offer.”
Employers can also use Zest’s ROI Calculator to learn more about potential savings on employer NI contributions, as well as ways to reduce talent loss and boost productivity: Zest ROI Calculator.
