The TriNet State of Benefits 2025 report reveals a fundamental shift in employee benefit priorities: mental health support ranks as the top priority across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, with telehealth access following closely as the second-most important benefit. This convergence across generations marks a significant departure from traditional emphasis on medical, dental, and vision coverage, signaling that mental health and telehealth have become table stakes for employers serious about retention.
Why Mental Health Leads
The elevation of mental health to the top priority reflects workplace stress and burnout affecting nearly every industry, with employees increasingly vocal about well-being support alongside physical health. Each successive generation has become more open about discussing mental health, moving it from a private issue to a workplace priority. Research shows untreated mental health challenges cost employers billions annually in absenteeism and lost productivity, making mental health support both a humanitarian and business decision.
The Telehealth Advantage
Telehealth’s rise to the second priority reflects convenience and cost efficiency. Virtual visits typically cost less than in-person care, while accessibility improves for employees across different locations. The flexibility to see providers without disrupting an entire day particularly appeals to working parents and caregivers.
Strategic Opportunities for Small Businesses
Small and medium-sized businesses can compete effectively by offering these core benefits cost-effectively. Nearly three-quarters of employees rate personalization as at least moderately important, yet the report found 42% of employees simply rolled over last year’s benefits without re-evaluating. HR teams should take a proactive role in benefits education, highlighting offerings and explaining value, while training managers to support mental health and normalizing telehealth use at the cultural level.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.trinet.com/insights/state-of-benefits-top-employee-benefits