The resolution that builds a happier, healthier workforce
Every new year we make big promises. Be more organised, exercise more, and finally tackle that overflowing inbox but we don’t always manage to fulfill them.
HR teams know the feeling. Prioritising the important stuff can be hard but here’s the thing, one resolution deserves to stick – and it’s all about employee benefits that actually work for your people.
Now more than ever, it’s imperative that benefit and reward leaders focus on providing tailored and personalised solutions for the year ahead.
Why employee benefits should be your top HR resolution
According to research from Zest, 63% of employees would now leave their role if another company offered them a better benefits package, with the figure rising to 71% for Gen Z employees and 70% of millennials.
People want flexibility, wellbeing support and more. When they don’t get it engagement drops, turnover spikes, and suddenly you’re spending more time recruiting than strategising.
Reward and benefit leaders have to listen to the demands of colleagues, assess their needs, then offer the right range of benefits to support their mental, physical and financial wellbeing.
Accessible, effective wellbeing benefits help remove barriers to activity and exercise, increasing engagement and improving the health of the UK workforce. A tailored benefits solution can also boost workplace motivation and productivity.
How communication can set you on the way
The secret to cracking the benefits code and staying on track with your HR resolution is to talk to your people.
You’d be surprised how many businesses skip this step and end up guessing what employees want.
In fact, research from Zest found that a lack of communication continues to be a major problem, with just 18% of employees saying that their employer regularly communicates with them regarding their benefits. That drops to just 15% when it comes to receiving regular, personalised notifications about the benefits they are entitled to.
- Surveys reveal the true demand: They help to break down the top benefits employees are asking for.
- Feedback builds trust: Employees feel valued and appreciated, ultimately boosting engagement.
- Data drives decisions: No more throwing benefits against the wall to see what sticks – this way you’ll know exactly what matters.
Listening should be a strategy. It can help you to nail that all-important HR resolution and make a difference.
When looking to future-proof employee benefits strategy, start with a conversation. Employees hold the answer to success, and all you have to do is ask.
Create a healthier, happier and more valued workforce
Although 80% of HR leaders currently think employees are fully satisfied with their benefits package, the reality is that 55% of workers deem it inadequate.
Critically, workers are hungry for more health and wellbeing benefits that boost the body and mind, as well as their motivation levels and productivity.
Getting this right and creating a healthier workforce will ultimately create a healthier business in more ways than one. Benefits can be a brilliant vehicle to make that happen, contributing to a more compelling employee value proposition.
What’s hot in 2026
Join Zest for The future of employee benefits: What trends will we see in 2026? and get the inside scoop on the benefits employees are asking for in 2026. We’ll be sharing trends and insights from our latest research to keep your HR game strong.
What should be on your list for the year ahead? Sign up to Zest's webinar.
Supplied by REBA Associate Member, Epassi UK
Creating a fitter, happier and more productive workforce now, and for future generations.
