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For employers, these programs can increase organizational efficiency by building skill sets that the employer can call on at any time.

;Expanding the employment tent.

To help alleviate those concerns, more employers are considering adding an emergency savings account (ESA) as a new benefit to support and retain talent.

Post-OE But Pre-Plan Year Most employers will have a set open enrollment period of two or three weeks, after which, no employee election changes are permitted.

Base salary increases were, by far, the most commonly enhanced total rewards (TR) category, with 74% of surveyed employers raising salaries in 2024, compared to less than a third of employers enhancing other compensation or benefit categories — but 4% fewer employers increased base salaries this year.

The bulk of employees prioritize these programs, signaling a timely call for employer focus: ;87% of employees want more resources to support their physical health, according to Gallagher.; ;85% of workers in the U.S. say well-being is as important to them as their salary, corporate wellness platform Wellhub found.; ;79% of U.S. employees would consider leaving a company not focused on well-being, according to Wellhub.; Employers should ensure their well-being programs are holistic, Schroeder said.

Employers know communication needs to improve — Gallagher found that 74% of surveyed employers have increased their commitment to promoting well-being; however, only 50% of employees say they’ve seen an increase in support, indicating a communication gap.

Qualified plans allow flexibility in employer contributions, which can be either matching (where the amount of the employer’s contribution is based on employee contributions) or non-elective (also referred to as profit-sharing, where contributions are made by the employer regardless of employee contributions).

These future workers are also politically and socially engaged, and they’re looking for employers with values that align with their own on issues such as social justice and climate change.

.; ;81% of employees who are very satisfied believe their employer has fostered a culture of appreciation, compared to just 8% of those who are neutral or dissatisfied.; Gallup research also found workplace recognition motivates employees, provides them with a sense of accomplishment and makes them feel valued for their work.