Employee Benefits 2025: Cost control and wellbeing in focus!

Employee Benefits 2025: Cost control and wellbeing in focus!

Deutschland - on May 16, 2025 MBWL International The results of the fourth global benefit study. Over 204 multinational companies from more than 100 countries took part. The study shows a clear change in the priorities of companies in relation to employee advantages and beefits.

In recent years, the costs have played a less dominant role in the design of employee beefits. While 81 % of the companies in 2024 information that costs were the most important factor, this influence has dropped to only 66 % in 2025. Instead, competitive comparisons, talent acquisition and the coordination of the benefit with the corporate strategy focus on corporate tours.

growing pressure and new challenges

The cost pressure on multinational companies grows, since benefits make up about 20 % of total wage costs, reports Mercer . Increasing medical kick -offs could further increase the costs for social benefits. In this tense economic situation, companies invest considerable resources in tracking, renewal and tender for insurance -based benefits worldwide.

A remarkable development is that almost a third of companies, as stated in the study by MBWL internationally, strengthen the focus on the management of benefits due to geopolitical and economic uncertainties. Employers prioritize wellbeing initiatives in order not only to control the costs, but also attract talents. 67 % of the respondents in the "Global Benefits Attitudes Survey" have optional options for the benefits, which represents an increase of 13 % compared to previous years.

The challenges of the aging of the workforce and the need to plan succession are further generational problems that are reinforced by increasing health costs.

diversity and integration of employees

diversity, equity and inclusion (DE & I) remains a central topic, but a worrying knowledge of the study shows that every fifth employer is unsure about the future direction in this area. The benefit strategies in 2025 are increasingly focusing on the employee integration and competitiveness of companies. John-Paul Aueri from Milliman and MBWL International emphasizes the complexity of the personnel landscape and that solid governance and individual pension strategies are necessary to be successful in this dynamic environment.

In addition to the strategic realignment of the benefits, the company pension scheme is a decisive factor. The study found that 31 % of the employees chose their employer because of the pension scheme offered and 47 % remain because of it. Nevertheless, only 50 % of the company offer advice at the time of retirement, which indicates a gap in employee care.

satisfaction and fluctuation of the employees

Despite these challenges, there is a slight relaxation in job fluctuation in Germany. According to the "Global Benefits Attitudes Survey", only 38 % of the employees have stated to actively search for a new job, compared to 47 % in 2022. Remuneration and job security are still the key factors for employee loyalty. Interestingly, 59 % of employees are satisfied with the benefits offered, but just under a quarter recommend the employer.

The increasing demand for flexible work models is obvious: 42 % of employees work in hybrid models in 2024, while 20 % work exclusively from home. 48 % of the employees want more home office, in particular parents are under pressure.

These trends are underpinned by the need for companies to increase efficiency through collective harmonization and harmonized administration of benefits in order to increase employee motivation and thus optimally use the resources invested.