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Now that Covid-19 has impacted the world for the second year in a row, Employees are demanding
change and Employers are listening. Not surprisingly, while each of the listed benefits is specific, they
all seem to point to a common theme – a better work-life balance. In other words, an improved qualit
of life.

Here are some of the top benefits that are trending for 2022.

1. Mental Health

As if daily life is not stressful enough, add in the long term effects of a global pandemic and
that puts mental health at the top of the list. Almost 50% of employers are investing in
mental health benefits and some are even opting to close their doors for a set week each
year to truly give their employees a break. In today’s world, let’s be honest, most employees
never fully disengage from their cell phone and email. Employees who are happy and less
stressed are more productive and engaged.

2. Physical Health Programs

Wellness Programs have been a staple for many years but Employers are taking a more creative
approach with things like subsidized gym memberships and corporate sponsored fitness programs or
apps.

3. Employee Engagement and Inclusion

With a remote workforce it’s difficult to keep employees engaged as a team, but that doesn’t mean
that Employers should stop trying. Investing in employee social zoom meetups , recognition programs
or educational opportunities are some of the ways to help teamwork make the dreamwork.

4. Childcare Assistance

Most parents plan for daycare until their kids are of school age, but nobody planned for a situation
where daycare and school systems would be shut down for months – stranding parents who still had
to leave the house for work or creating an impossible situation of trying to work from home while
providing childcare. That’s why many companies are offering child-care related benefits these days.
From stipends to assist with cost, to on-site childcare provisions, it’s an important consideration in
your benefits package to help support working parents.

5. Flexible Scheduling

If companies don’t have the budget to offer childcare assistance, flexible scheduling is the next best
thing. Providing working parents with options for later in times or early out times or even working
remotely can help reduce the situations where employees can’t come to work because they don’t have
childcare. Of course this would also be a perk for employees who don’t have kids as everyone has a
life outside of work where flexibility is greatly appreciated. Think about being able to go to a morning
doctor appointment and going to work later vs. having to use paid time off.

6. Remote Working Options

Whether employees were forced to begin working remotely during the pandemic or not, for many it’s
considered a perk to be able to continue. While not every business can operate with remote workers,
companies where it remains effective are considering that as part of flex schedules and may continue
to offer that in combination with on site work rather than fully returning to the office 5 days a week.

7. Pet Insurance

Pets are part of the family and can get just as sick as humans. Offering pet insurance can relieve the
financial burden and accompanying stress of a sick pet for employees.

8. Flexible PTO

Letting employees dictate how and when they can use their paid time off is rapidly becoming an
important component of benefit packages. Workers can choose when or how they use their time
whether it is for vacation or sick time or a much needed break.\

9. Financial Wellness and Planning

One of the things the pandemic taught us is just how tenuous, many individuals’ finances can be. It
can be an easy perk to offer your employees whether it be through retirement programs or providing
access to education and expertise. Adding options like student loan repayment plans through
company sponsored 401k’s or paying for a consultation with a financial advisor are a few ways to
support your employees’ financial well being.

10. Creative Benefit Options

When it comes to employee benefits, one size definitely does not fit all. Working with an experienced
benefits broker who can help build some creative plans and customized options is your best bet.
While it may take a little more time and effort, the payoff in employee happiness will be worth it in the
long run. Even if employees don’t elect all of the offerings, knowing that their company cares enough
to make the effort goes a long way.

Related Links
Top Sought After Benefits
Future Work Trends Post Covid19