Key Employee-Benefit Trends for 2026
Published in
All Insurance Industry Insights on Thursday, October 30, 2025 by Dennis Curtis
Employee expectations continue to evolve, and 2026 is shaping up to be a year of transformation in workplace benefits. From cost management to personalized options, employers are rethinking what it means to truly support their teams. Here are five key trends to keep on your radar.
1. Personalized and Flexible Benefits
The “one-size-fits-all” approach is fading fast. More employers are offering customizable benefit menus letting employees choose what fits their lifestyle, whether that’s mental health support, student loan help, or enhanced family benefits. Flexibility now extends beyond benefits to include work arrangements like hybrid or remote schedules.
2. A Focus on Whole-Person Wellbeing
Wellness isn’t just about physical health anymore. Employers are expanding access to mental health resources, stress management tools, nutrition coaching, and even medical weight-management programs. Supporting emotional and physical wellness helps improve engagement, productivity, and retention.
3. Rising Costs and Smarter Benefit Design
Healthcare costs are projected to rise 8–10% in 2026, driven largely by prescription expenses. To manage this, organizations are leaning into preventive care, digital health solutions, and redesigned plan structures that emphasize value and cost control.
4. Financial and Family Support
With inflation and caregiving pressures on the rise, more companies are offering financial-wellness programs, emergency savings options, and expanded family benefits like fertility support, parental leave, and caregiver assistance. These inclusive offerings help attract and retain diverse talent.
5. Digital and Data-Driven Benefits
Virtual care and telehealth are now essential benefits. Employers are using data analytics to personalize offerings, improve engagement, and measure ROI making benefits more accessible and relevant to every employee, no matter where they work.
Staying Competitive in 2026
The best benefit strategies balance cost, care, and choice. Employers who plan early, communicate clearly, and prioritize employee experience will have a strong advantage in attracting and retaining talent in the year ahead.
At PDCM, we’re here to help you design a benefits strategy that fits your workforce and your budget. Reach out to Dennis, Vice President of Employee Benefits, at 319-296-7008 or dcurtis@pdcm.com.
Written by
Dennis Curtis