While a big salary grabs the attention of job applicants, most high achievers recognize that money is just one part of the overall picture when it comes to what makes a job worthwhile. Benefits also play a significant role.
And though employers regularly reevaluate and update salary packages, many pay too little attention to supercharging their benefits programs.
Traditional Benefits Not Enough
Traditional benefits like healthcare and 401(k) matching are no longer enough to win the war for talent. According to David Garcia, co-founder and CEO of ScoutLogic, today’s employees want more—and companies that don’t adapt risk losing their best people.
“Traditional benefits like health insurance and 401(k) matching are now considered baseline expectations rather than differentiators,” says Garcia. “Companies that truly want to stand out need to think creatively about what modern employees actually value in their lives both inside and outside of work.”
Perks That Matter
Garcia outlines eight workplace perks that could give employers a major edge:
- Extended Paid Leave: Companies like Adobe and Intel have shown that offering extended paid leave after a few years of service can boost retention and reduce burnout.
- Pet Insurance: Allowing pets at work or offering pet insurance acknowledges the important role pets play in employees’ lives.
- Wellness Stipends: Instead of one-size-fits-all wellness programs, stipends allow employees to invest in the activities that matter most to them.
- Events: Learning opportunities, adventures, and events create lasting emotional connections in ways material gifts rarely do.
- Schedule Flexibility: Models like the four-day workweek or 9/80 schedules show that focusing on results over hours worked improves productivity and satisfaction.
- Financial Assistance: Programs that address overall financial health—like student loan assistance or emergency savings—help employees reduce stress and stay focused.
- Family Benefits: Fertility support, adoption assistance, and eldercare resources demonstrate a real commitment to employees’ life stages.
- Community Efforts: Partnerships with local businesses, housing subsidies, and transit passes strengthen employee ties to both the company and the community.
As Garcia puts it, “The most significant shift we’re seeing in employment is employees increasingly seeking meaning and personal alignment with their work lives.”
Companies that rethink benefits as a strategic investment in people—not just a transaction—will be the ones that attract, engage, and retain top talent in 2025 and beyond.