What does the future look like for employee benefits?

"Fairness, inclusivity, sustainability and wellbeing will be key influences for future benefits decisions"

clock • 4 min read

Matthew Gregson, executive director at Howden Employee Benefits & Wellbeing, reviews what the direction of travel is for employee benefits, including key drivers for future designs and where weak links must be addressed.

Investment in employee benefits is increasing as employers respond to both internal and external pressures, including talent shortages, the recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and the ongoing cost of living crisis. In fact, our latest benefits design research[1] with the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) has highlighted that very few employers are reducing benefits funding or failing to deliver on their improvement plans and response to those external pressures in the last three years. 64% plan to improve their benefits funding or have already done so, especially f...

To continue reading this article...

Join COVER for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, key trend analysis and industry insights.
  • Stay on top of the latest developments around health and wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and the cost of living crisis.
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletter.
  • Members only access to monthly programme 'The COVER Review'
  • Be the first to hear about our CPD accredited events and awards programmes.

Join now

 

Already a Cover member?

Login

More on Employee Benefits

Reframe Cancer updates leadership

Reframe Cancer updates leadership

Emma Thomson takes up new role

Jaskeet Briah
clock 14 October 2026 • 1 min read
75% of perimenopausal women would welcome additional workplace support

75% of perimenopausal women would welcome additional workplace support

Aviva's Menopause Report

Jaskeet Briah
clock 12 October 2026 • 2 min read
Third of employees unaware of access to mental health support

Third of employees unaware of access to mental health support

52% delayed seeking medical care in the last year

Jaskeet Briah
clock 09 October 2026 • 2 min read