It seems to me that the answer depends on who’s taking a survey or asking the questions. Nonetheless, there’s consensus on some things employees want. Small business owners should take note so they can stay competitive in the labor market. The following are some benefits to explore to retain employees and fill job openings when they arise.
Flexibility
While many large corporations—and the federal government—are demanding workers return to the office, many employees want flexible work arrangements. This can be working from home exclusively or at least some of the time. Small businesses that continue to offer flexible work arrangements may have a leg up on big businesses with office-only policies.
According to BenefitMall, employees want not only the ability to continue to work remotely, but also support for their remote work arrangements. This can be stipends to cover the cost of high speed internet access or other needs for working from home. They also want employers to implement policies that include them (e.g., remote team support; virtual wellness programs).
Health benefits
According to Intercept, a pharmacy solution for employers, employees listed their benefits priorities for 2025 as comprehensive health benefits, flexible work options, and wellness programs. Comprehensive health benefits include affordable and accessible pharmacy benefits.
Upskilling
Paychex also found that employees want affordable health care and wellness programs. But they also opportunities for growth by having access to upskilling (learning new technologies) and reskilling (preparing for different roles within the company). Employees would love to see development programs offering learning opportunities, including workshops, certifications, job rotations, and peer coaching.
Civility
Healthcare and training are great, and survey after survey indicate this. SHRM also found that there’s concern about the rise of incivility in the workplace. “ Workers who rate their workplaces as uncivil are three times more likely to be dissatisfied with their job.” Some employers have begin to offer etiquette classes!
Mental health services
According to BairesDev, a software company, workers are demanding mental health services in 2025. This is because of an increase in stress, anxiety, and depression experienced by an ever-expanding segment of the workforce. Support can take the form of good health insurance, free therapy sessions, or other arrangements.
Financial wellness programs
Wellhub says financial stress can be devastating to employees, affecting their mental health and their productivity. Employees want support from employers that may include financial literacy programs, retirement planning support, emergency savings funds, employee assistance programs with financial counseling, student loan support, and financial wellness technology (e.g., platforms that offer personalized recommendations for actions based on an employee’s financial goals and circumstances).
Final thought
“If you fulfill the wishes of your employees, the employees will fulfill your visions.” ~ Amit Kalantri, India’s top corporate mentalist
While large corporations can offer employees an extensive menu of benefits, small businesses can’t offer to do this. They are able to offer many benefits that employees want in 2025. Review your current offerings and your budget to see what can be added this year to expand company support its employees. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has a guide for small businesses that want to offer voluntary benefits tailored to their employees.
Much has been written about the workplace, see a list of blogs here.
