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Benefits That Matter Most for Employee Happiness

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Laptop screen showing the text "EMPLOYEE BENEFITS" with various icons around it.

Benefits are an important component of compensation packages and offerings can be a key factor for job seekers. A recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey shows companies value benefits as a tool for retention and recruiting.  

According to the survey, 42% of U.S. and 35% of Canadian hiring decision-makers planned to increase benefits this year. Seventy percent of U.S. and 59% of Canadian hiring decision-makers say their company has modified benefits in hopes of retaining employees and attracting new ones.  

New Benefits Offerings: 

  • Cost of living raises: 31% U.S.; 25% Canada  
  • Increased paid time off: 27% U.S.; 17% Canada 
  • Customizable benefits packages: 21% U.S.; 14% Canada 
  • Additional healthcare incentives such as a gym membership or mental health resources: 21% U.S.; 14% Canada 
  • Increased sick time: 21% U.S.; 13% Canada 
  • Improved company retirement plan: 18% U.S.; 13% Canada 

What Employees Want 

According to Pew Research Center, employees prioritize paid time off and employer-sponsored health insurance as extremely important.  

Chart illustrating the importance of various job benefits to U.S. workers, showing high percentages for paid time off, employer-sponsored health insurance, 401(k), and parental leave. Text Transcription: Most workers say it’s extremely important to them to have a job that offers paid time off for vacations, doctor appointments, minor illnesses. Among employed adults, % saying it is ____ important to them personally to have a job that offers each of the following, regardless of whether their current job offers it.

Employees also seek life insurance, mandatory time off, and mental health assistance, according to a survey by Forbes Advisor, and pet insurance is a top concern for more than 30% of 18–41 year-olds.  

Flexible work options, childcare, employee discounts, tuition assistance, paid volunteer time, and more are additional benefits that can sweeten the deal for job seekers. High quality benefits can contribute to employee productivity, reliability, and overall well-being. 

The definition of good benefits depends on individual preferences and needs. Discussing benefits in the context of total compensation can help employees and job seekers determine the value of benefits for their needs.  

The Job Insights survey was conducted online within the United States by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, 2023, among 1,007 U.S. hiring decision-makers. The Job Insights survey was conducted online within Canada by The Harris Poll on behalf of Express Employment Professionals between Oct. 31 and Nov. 10, 2023, among 504 Canadian hiring decision-makers.   

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Last Updated on August 9, 2024

Jessica is a Content Marketing Specialist at Express Employment International creating content for employers, leaders, and about the workplace of today. She is an accomplished former social media professional and award-winning writer. When Jessica isn’t writing about key leadership characteristics or best workplace practices, she’s spending time with her dog and planning her next road trip.

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