8 October 2026

Ciphr Group report: The benefits employees really want

New research from Ciphr Group shows that what UK employees value most from their benefits doesn’t always match what employers offer.

Drawing on a survey of 2,000 UK employees, covering 48 benefits, rewards and incentives, and a survey of 300 UK HR decision-makers, The benefits employees really want research ranks the benefits that matter most and shows where provision falls short.

The research reveals paid sick leave (68%) now ranks above inflation-matching pay rises (60%) as the benefit UK employees value most, while a clear gap remains between what employees want and what employers provide.

The report also shows that paid sick leave tops the list, valued by more than two-thirds (68%) of employees, ahead of inflation-matching pay rises at 60%. Pay is also where the widest gap sits, as less than two in five (38%) employers offer inflation-matching rises, a 22-point shortfall.

Priorities also differ between groups. Women rank flexible working third; men give more weight to pension contribution matching; and pension matching matters more to the over-45s.

With employer National Insurance contributions rising and wage bills under pressure, that matters for any organisation reviewing its reward spend. And pay isn’t the whole story, as it doesn’t appear in the top five sources of happiness at work, with colleagues, visible results and recognition all ranking higher.

The report closes with five practical steps for employers, from listening to employees and leavers to closing the highest-impact gaps first and giving people genuine choice.

Download the The benefits employees really want research report.