Benefits have always been important to job seekers and employees. But as the world continues to grapple with the lasting effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, candidates and current team members are in need of different benefits, as they choose the employer that’s right for them.

Emerging Trends in Benefit Needs

The pandemic helped businesses fast forward their approach and embrace new ways of thinking about which employee benefits to offer. The wheels of change were already in motion, but Covid and the resulting Great Resignation accelerated things, as employers vied to become more employee-centric and boost their brands in a highly competitive job marketplace.

Among today’s trends in job seeker and employee benefit demands are:

Today’s Benefits Demands for Job Seekers and Employees

Flexible Work Options

Some people love working remotely. Others can’t wait to get to the office. And then, there are those who like both, aka, a hybrid model. The key – as it is in all benefit offerings – is flexibility. In fact, for many folks today, having the choice is more important than even salary and other standard benefits.

Mental Health Support

Mental and emotional health are among the defining issues of our time. The stigma surrounding them is dissolving – another trend aided by the pandemic. Normalize your mental health approach within your organizational culture and day-to-day dialogue. Reinforce it in your communications, as well as your policies and benefit offerings.

Flexible Leave Options

During the pandemic, many employees took extended leave because they were sick or contagious themselves or had to care for loved ones. You’re still functioning even though you met their needs, right? So, if possible, continue your expanded paid leave policies. Also, take a look at the education and training you provide for HR staff, supervisors, and employees, so everyone clearly understands it.

Technology to Make the Most of Benefit Offerings

You may have initiated digital benefits enrollment out of necessity during the pandemic. This is another excellent advancement that you need to hold onto. It democratizes access to and understanding of benefits to all employees. Likewise, the use of data to enhance benefits decision-making will continue to be a major trend.

A Commitment to Justice and DEI

People who feel part of an organization that values diversity, supports equality and inclusion, and responds to social justice causes tend to be happier, more secure, and more loyal to their companies. Build and embed these qualities into your core values. Share and celebrate them – and you’ll realize the strong connection they have to talent engagement and retention.

Think It’s Time to Alter Your Benefits Offerings?

Could outsourcing benefits administration and/or related HR functions to a trusted third-party partner help you to better meet the needs of your current and prospective workforce? For a growing number of small to mid-sized companies, it’s just the solution they need for 2022 and the future. Contact Key HR today – and let’s talk more about how to meet the unique needs of your growing business.