Your Employees Need More Than Paychecks and Perks — Here's What They Really Want

I've had countless conversations with colleagues, friends and fellow leaders about the main driver of their employees' satisfaction. Over and over, they essentially talk about "the paycheck."

No doubt, everyone would agree that solid compensation is non-negotiable. Still, for me, employees these days are increasingly seeking personalized, holistic benefits packages that address their deeper needs — especially when it comes to financial and family security.

After all, people don't just work to benefit themselves; they give their best at work to ensure they're able to support their loved ones, save for the future and protect their legacies. Now, the challenge for employers in the 21st century is to meet these needs in ways that go beyond surface-level perks.

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Employees expect more from their benefits

Employees, especially top talents, often feel their current benefits packages do not adequately address their financial or family obligations. In other words, traditional benefit offerings — like basic health insurance or occasional "wellness credits" — aren't cutting it anymore.

A significant pain point for many employees is the perceived lack of workplace support for major life transitions, including family growth, elder care and retirement planning. Many employees feel their employers don't value their goals beyond the workplace, especially when it comes to their long-term financial outlook; these people want a safety net that addresses 'complex' needs. They are looking for benefits that supplement life insurance, help them manage assets and ensure their families can weather life's storms.

There is a clear trend: Prospective employees are increasingly prioritizing financial security and long-term support over superficial perks. Questions about financial consulting, estate planning resources and parental leave are now far more common than inquiries about whether we give free lunches or gym access. It's a clear sign that employees are getting hungry for resources that fortify their financial well-being and protect their loved ones.

But it goes deeper than that. Employees increasingly say they want advice, resources or digital tools for retirement planning and broader financial wellness. Recognizing that many employees struggle with student loans, credit card debt and daily budgeting presents is already a big opportunity for employers. Offering personalized financial coaching or accessible digital platforms can be a significant differentiator.

It's another thing to understand generational benefit preferences — younger workers prioritize flexibility, mental health and loan assistance, while older employees value health insurance and retirement. Tailoring benefits to this multigenerational workforce, including the increasingly popular option of digital estate planning tools, demonstrates a genuine commitment to employee well-being.

As employers, what we can do to answer this growing call for financial security is to acknowledge that generic offerings won't suffice. Instead, we must explore integrated, long-term solutions that genuinely lighten the burden for employees and their families.

Offer your employees direct access to financial experts. Connecting them with certified financial planners, tax specialists and estate planning attorneys empowers them to make informed decisions about their savings, investments and insurance needs.

Next, consider tax support. Major life events often bring complex tax implications. A dedicated resource hub or hotline for tax-related questions can significantly reduce employee stress. Employees also appreciate guidance on leveraging life insurance policies effectively. For instance, bundling life insurance with other financial planning resources helps employees see the big picture of their family's financial roadmap.

Finally, integrate estate planning tools. Far from being an afterthought, estate planning is a foundation of financial well-being for employees of every age bracket. Do it properly and you'll see everything from property to digital assets get handled accordingly.

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Peace of mind in the digital age

Even before 2025, I already noticed a surge in digital estate planning platforms and apps. These tools offer a streamlined way to create wills, manage beneficiaries and store important documents securely online. This digital shift matters for employers, too. For one, it aligns with employees' preference for convenient, technology-driven solutions they can use on their own time. Organizations can offer discounted or even fully covered estate planning packages by partnering with reputable providers. Employees then have the peace of mind that their assets, wealth and personal information are safeguarded, not just for retirement but for the unexpected events life may bring.

Encouraging estate planning benefits doesn't just revolve around death or illness. It also ensures that an employee's personal information and digital accounts are properly managed and protected, which means their well-being and security are supported right now. People want to feel secure that their families will be financially stable no matter what comes their way.

Invest in your people

I believe that offering comprehensive benefits that demonstrate genuine concern for financial stability is one of the most effective ways to show employees that they matter. When people know their loved ones are secure, they bring more creativity, focus and loyalty to their roles at any organization. We've personally invested in these deeper benefits and have seen reduced turnover, heightened engagement and a stronger sense of community among our teams.

In an era where remote and hybrid work arrangements are reshuffling traditional office dynamics, thoughtful, personalized benefits are becoming a powerful differentiator. The bottom line is really simple: If you want to support your employees, address their long-term financial needs. Integrate digital estate planning, financial advisement services and comprehensive life insurance options to show them that you value them as "people," not just the role they fill.