STUDY OF EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: 2006 & BEYOND - Prudential

Employee Concerns Extend Beyond Financial Needs
Overtime, travel, and e-mail all require more time and commitment from employees.
The quid pro quo of this more demanding “just-in-time” society is employees asking
for consideration with more flexible and paid time off when possible. Employers and
employees have done well working together to meet each other’s needs in these areas.
Quite surprising, and likely a function of our very stressful and often confusing
environment, 52% of employees would value more mental health counseling. Today,
we know most employees will face one or more difficult periods during their career,
and the range of potential situations across a given employee population is vast.
Well understood by retail product markets, but not yet fully appreciated by employers,
83% of employees are trying to achieve an overall holistic sense of a healthy lifestyle.
This broader definition of wellbeing will likely necessitate continued evaluation
of environment, workplace systems, and benefits to meet employee needs and
maximize effectiveness.
TOP LIFESTYLE CONCERNS
Employer perceptions of importance to employees
Employee actual importance
Point
Difference
Flexible/generous
paid time-off policies
Flexible workplace
arrangements
Mental health counseling
Healthy lifestyle
61%
66%
46%
57%
30%
52%
36%
83%
5
11
22
47
19