Every employer wants to attract good people and keep them. But with benefits costs climbing every year, it’s worth asking a practical question before your next renewal: which benefits do employees actually value most?

Spending more doesn’t always mean spending well. The businesses that get the most out of their benefits budget are the ones that align their offerings with what their workforce genuinely cares about.

Here’s what recent research tells us about worker priorities, and what it means for employers in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, Greenville, and across the Southeast.

Health Insurance Still Leads the List

No matter which survey you look at, health coverage sits at the top. Indeed’s 2025 Workforce Insights Survey found that 67% of U.S. workers ranked health insurance among their most-valued benefits, ahead of every other option. SHRM’s 2025 Employee Benefits Survey found the same thing from the employer side: HR leaders continue to rate health care as the single most important benefit they offer.

That’s not surprising. According to KFF’s 2025 Employer Health Benefits Survey, the average annual premium for family coverage reached $26,993, with workers contributing about $6,850 of that out of their own paychecks. When coverage is that expensive, employees notice the difference between a strong plan and a weak one.

What workers want isn’t just “a health plan.” They want:

Affordable payroll deductions they can plan around
Reasonable deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums
Access to the doctors and hospitals they already use
Clear explanations of how the plan works

Retirement Savings Are Close Behind

Retirement benefits have grown steadily in importance. ADP’s TotalSource Employee Benefits Survey reported that demand for 401(k) plans rose from 30% of employees in 2018 to 62% in 2025. SHRM’s survey shows employers rank retirement savings as tied for the second most important benefit category.

For smaller employers, offering a retirement plan doesn’t have to be complicated. Safe harbor 401(k) plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and pooled employer plans can all provide meaningful savings opportunities without a heavy administrative burden.

Paid Time Off and Leave Matter More Than Ever

Vacation time and paid sick days ranked just behind health insurance in Indeed’s research. Leave benefits, including vacation, sick time, and parental leave, also tied for second place among employers in the SHRM survey for the fourth year running.

Time off is one of the most visible benefits an employer offers. It shows up in employees’ daily lives, and it directly affects burnout and morale.

Flexibility Is Valued, but Not Universally

Flexible schedules and remote work options still rank among the top benefits for many employees, especially working parents. Indeed found that women were more likely than men to prioritize flexible hours and remote work. However, flexibility looks different across industries. A manufacturer in Greenville or a hospitality business in Charleston can’t offer fully remote work, but it may be able to offer predictable scheduling, shift swaps, or compressed workweeks.

Employees Want Help Understanding Their Benefits

One of the most overlooked findings in recent research is that employees want guidance, not just options. ADP reported that 75% of employees are interested in personalized benefits recommendations. A rich benefits package loses much of its value if workers don’t understand it or don’t use it.

That’s why strong employee communication, including clear enrollment materials, one-on-one support, and year-round reminders, is just as important as plan design.

Supporting Benefits That Round Out the Package

Beyond the core benefits, many employees value:

Dental and vision coverage
Life and disability insurance
Mental health and employee assistance programs (EAPs)
Health savings accounts (HSAs) paired with high-deductible plans
Professional development and tuition support

These voluntary and supplemental benefits often cost employers little or nothing, yet they make a package feel more complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important employee benefit today? Health insurance consistently ranks as the most valued benefit among both workers and employers.

Do small businesses need to match large-company benefits? No. Small employers can stay competitive by focusing on the benefits their employees value most and communicating them clearly.

How can I find out what my employees want? A short anonymous survey before open enrollment is one of the simplest and most effective tools available.

How Beckham Ellis Can Help

At Beckham Ellis Insurance Group, we help employers in Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Greenville, and St. Simons Island build benefits packages that reflect what their people actually value, without overspending on what they don’t. From plan design and funding strategy to employee education, our team works alongside you to get the most from every benefits dollar.

If you’re planning for your next renewal, contact Beckham Ellis today to start the conversation.