According to a recent LinkedIn survey, 52% of employees will look for new jobs in 2026. If recruitment or retention is a top goal for you as a business owner or HR professional, it’s important that you pay close attention to this metric.
Though many are on the hunt for new employment, this doesn’t automatically mean your organization will see high turnover or struggle to attract top talent. Fortunately, adjusting your approach to employee compensation and benefits to align with current trends can help you avoid the hardship.
If you’re not sure what those trends are, here’s what you need to know about the employee benefits that today’s workers value.
Total Well Being
In 2026, employees are looking for something deeper than a healthcare plan that covers their preferred doctor or essential medications. They’re also seeking more employee compensation in the form of benefits that promote total wellness.
According to Aflac surveys, fewer than half of employees report positive well-being. You may consider combating this negative trend by providing plans with mental health coverage or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) for access to confidential counseling or digital mental health apps.
In addition to wellness perks like gym memberships, nutrition education sessions, and meditation rooms, you might offer supplemental insurance plans that cover preventive care or close the “gap” for soaring out-of-pocket costs.
You should also consider your employees’ financial well-being. About 47% of Gen Z employees are on track to retire well. Many of them value employer-sponsored contribution plans like 401(k)s, financial education programs, and student loan repayment support.
Flexible Work
Remote work has become a staple for many employees. Gallup data shows that about 41% of millennials and about one-third of Gen Z employees are extremely likely to look for another job if remote work is no longer on the table. However, it’s best not to use this data to assume that offering the option of fully remote work is enough.
Instead, today’s employees are looking for a greater sense of work-life balance. While this means having the option to work from home at least some of the time, it could also mean offering compressed workweeks, the opportunity for asynchronous work, or intentional hybrid schedules that allow for productivity and performance while helping to prevent burnout. If it’s in your budget, consider offering additional employee compensation in the form of paid time off.
Career Development
Gallup surveys show that a lack of career growth opportunities is the top reason why employees leave their roles. This makes sense, as 90% of millennials say that career development is very important to them when deciding whether to accept a job offer.
If you’re looking to attract and retain the best talent to help you build a high-performance culture, you may want to look at adding benefits that will help your employees progress in their careers and see a future in your organization. In addition to career pathing or coaching, you may also offer stipends for additional education or professional certifications.
You can also send employees to conferences, offer access to online training, or provide a structured mentoring program so they can learn new skills from those who are further in their career journeys.
Family Support
As your employees seek greater work-life balance this year, family support is likely to be on their wish lists for employee benefits. Organizations become highly attractive to top candidates when they know they’ll be cared for beyond the work they do.
Your employees’ idea of what family support looks like will vary depending on their personal circumstances and life stage. Those who are looking to become parents may value fertility and adoption support, while employees with young children may be seeking childcare benefits in the form of on-site care or subsidies.
These benefits can be especially attractive as healthcare and childcare costs continue to rise. As you consider family support benefits, don’t leave out those who are caregivers for older loved ones or those with special needs, especially as the U.S. population continues to age.
Prepare for Success in 2026 With the Right Benefits Strategy
Many employees are searching for new work. The good news is that your benefits strategy can incentivize top employees to stay and top candidates to choose your organization.
Whether you need a plan to help you stand out from the competition or retain your best performers, Benefits Advisory Group can help. Contact us today to learn how we can support your team in crafting an excellent employee compensation and benefits package this year.