26 May 2026

The top 5 motivators for employees to use benefits more in 2026

Employees have always wanted to get more out of the benefits their employers offer.

Epassi research reveals what would motivate employees to use their benefit.

Employee benefits have come a long way from the days of dusty discounts, paper submissions and perks nobody actually used. In 2026, employees are savvier, more selective and far more vocal about wanting benefits that genuinely make their lives easier.

With cost-of-living pressures lingering, worklife balance being nonnegotiable and personal priorities shifting all the time, employees aren’t just looking at what benefits they get — they’re looking at how they can actually use them.

According to Epassi research the top five reasons employees are more eager than ever to use their benefits this year:

Greater choice in benefits – 30%: Nobody wants a benefits package that feels like choosing between beige or cream. With 30% of employees craving more choice, it’s clear people want varietywith options they can actually get excited about, that are tailored to them. The more “that actually works for me” moments they have, the more they’ll engage.
More relevant benefits to their needs – 28%: Almost a third of employees want benefits that actually match their life. Whether they’re saving for the future, juggling childcare, looking for wellbeing support or just trying to make payday stretch a little further, people want support that fits. When benefits feel genuinely useful, they don’t just get noticed … they get used. A lot.
Increased benefit allowance – 25%: A quarter of employees are asking for more wiggle room in their benefits budget. With costs creeping up everywhere, having a little extra in the benefits pot makes a world of difference. It means employees can upgrade, explore and actually treat themselves to perks that matter — not just whatever fits into a tiny budget. More allowance equals more value which leads to more engagement.
Ability to personalise benefits to specific situation – 22%: One in five employees are calling for benefits that feel tailormade. Personalisation is the name of the game in 2026. Whether someone’s saving for their first home, juggling nursery fees, looking after ageing parents or focused on their future finances, employees want perks they can shape around their realworld needs. When benefits flex with life, they feel more meaningful and people are far more likely to use them.
Clear and regular communication from employers – 16%: One in seven employees aren’t asking for new perks — they just want to actually know what they already have. Benefits only work if people can find them somewhere other than buried in an old onboarding PDF. When employers keep benefits front and centre — with simple updates, friendly reminders and zero jargon — engagement shoots up. Talk about benefits more, and employees will use them more.