Top Employee Benefits to Look for in 2025
In today’s competitive job market, employee benefits are rapidly surpassing salary as the primary factor influencing job acceptance and retention.
Whether you’re currently employed or exploring new opportunities, understanding the most sought-after perks can give you a significant advantage.
This comprehensive guide explores the top employee benefits to watch for in 2025, offering insights into how they can enhance your financial wellness and overall job satisfaction.
Why Benefits Matter More Than Ever
A recent survey of over 300 Australian hiring managers revealed that nearly two-thirds of candidates accepted job offers based on the benefits and perks offered, rather than salary alone.
This shift underscores the growing importance of non-monetary incentives in attracting and retaining talent.
Employment Hero’s 2025 Wellness at Work Report asked employees what perks, outside of pay, would convince them to stay with their current employer.
Unsurprisingly, the responses highlighted a strong preference for benefits that reduce expenses and promote financial stability. The most popular perks included:
| 🔹 Benefit | 📊 Percentage of Companies Offering |
|---|---|
| Remote and flexible work options | 25% |
| Yearly allowances for healthcare, fuel, utilities, and groceries | 15% |
| Discounts on everyday essentials like fuel, utilities, and groceries | 12% |
These findings reflect a broader trend: employees are increasingly prioritizing financial wellness and work-life balance over traditional salary considerations.
Financial Stress: A Growing Concern for Employees
According to Employment Hero’s Wellness at Work Report, 34% of respondents identified financial stress as their primary concern over the past three months, far outpacing other stressors such as overwhelming workloads (15%) and professional burnout (13%).
The rising cost of living has exacerbated these challenges, with many Australians struggling to manage expenses like groceries, fuel, healthcare, and utilities.
Inflation, which peaked at 7.8% in December 2022, has left a lasting impact on household budgets.
As a result, employees are actively seeking employers who offer inflation-fighting benefits to help stretch their paychecks further.
Top 6 Employee Benefits to Combat the Cost of Living
Here are the most impactful employee benefits to look for in 2025, designed to alleviate financial stress and enhance overall well-being:
1. Health Insurance Discounts
Health insurance remains one of the most valued employee benefits, particularly as healthcare costs continue to rise.
Premiums can easily exceed $150 per month, making employer-sponsored discounts a significant financial relief.
Leading employers often partner with top providers to offer corporate health insurance plans tailored to employees’ needs.
When selecting a policy, consider factors such as life stage, family coverage, and future healthcare requirements.
Pro Tip: Employment Hero users can access exclusive health insurance deals through the app’s ‘Benefits’ tab.
2. Energy and Utilities Savings
With utility bills on the rise, discounts on essential services like electricity can lead to substantial savings.
Employers who negotiate partnerships with energy providers can help employees reduce monthly expenses, ensuring they stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
Pro Tip: Employment Hero has partnered with Engie to offer discounted electricity bills, potentially saving users hundreds of dollars annually.
3. Earned Wage Access (EWA)
Earned Wage Access (EWA) is revolutionizing how employees manage their finances.
This benefit allows workers to access their earned wages on-demand, rather than waiting for traditional pay cycles.
EWA helps employees avoid high-interest loans, manage unexpected expenses, and maintain financial stability without impacting their credit scores.
Pro Tip: Employment Hero’s EWA feature enables users to access their earnings instantly, providing greater financial flexibility.
4. Cashback Rewards
Cashback programs are gaining popularity as a way to stretch discretionary spending.
Employees can earn up to 20% back on purchases from leading retailers, including The Iconic, Virgin Airlines, and Pet Circle.
These rewards provide a tangible financial benefit, allowing employees to treat themselves without guilt.
5. Budgeting Tools and Stash Accounts
Financial well-being is closely linked to job satisfaction and productivity.
Employers are increasingly offering budgeting tools and stash accounts to help employees manage their finances effectively.
Stash accounts allow users to automate savings, ensuring they set aside money for short- and long-term goals before spending their paycheck.
Pro Tip: Stash accounts are ideal for saving for holidays, home deposits, or emergency funds, fostering healthy financial habits.
6. Reward and Recognition Programs
Recognition is a powerful motivator, and employers are leveraging reward programs to boost morale and engagement.
Programs like Employment Hero’s Hero Points allow employees to earn points for milestones, achievements, and birthdays, which can be redeemed for gift cards, movie tickets, electronics, and more.
Pro Tip: Hero Points can be used like cash for everyday expenses, making them a versatile and appreciated perk.
The Case for Financial Well-Being Benefits
While many employers are stepping up to offer financial wellness benefits, there is still room for improvement.
A significant 60% of employees feel uncomfortable discussing financial concerns with their employers, and 38% report that their workplaces do not provide adequate financial support.
Employment Hero’s research highlights the urgency of this issue: 72% of Australians experience negative emotions or behaviors due to financial stress, and 90% carry short-term debt.
Nearly half (46%) struggle to cover basic expenses like rent and groceries before payday.
What Employees Want in 2025
In 2025, employees are looking for more than just a competitive salary.
They want benefits that address their financial well-being, reduce stress, and improve their quality of life.
Employers who invest in these perks are more likely to attract and retain top talent, fostering a loyal and motivated workforce.
Conclusion
As the job market evolves, employee benefits are becoming a critical differentiator for employers.
In 2025, the most sought-after perks will focus on financial wellness, flexibility, and recognition.
By prioritizing these benefits, employers can create a supportive and engaging work environment that empowers employees to thrive both personally and professionally.
For employees, understanding and leveraging these benefits can lead to significant financial savings and improved job satisfaction.
Whether it’s through health insurance discounts, cashback rewards, or earned wage access, the right benefits can make all the difference in navigating the challenges of the modern economy.
Pro Tip: Explore the ‘Benefits’ tab in the Employment Hero Work app to discover how you can access these perks and more, ensuring your money goes further in 2025 and beyond.
You can also follow the top 6 benefits in this video right below:
