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Employee Benefit Trends 2026

Explore what employees really want, where employers are missing the mark and how HR teams can turn benefits into a real business advantage.

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Shape your benefits strategy for 2026

Employee expectations are evolving faster than ever. As we head into 2026, benefits have become a defining factor in attraction, retention and engagement - especially as employees look for more choice, flexibility and genuine wellbeing support.

 

Explore our latest research and insights to understand why benefits are no longer a “nice to have” and how to get ahead of your competition.

Download our brochure

Employee Benefit trends you should be jumping on...

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Employee Benefits Report 2025

Our latest report brings together insights from 500 HR decision makers and 2,000 UK employees to explore how the employee benefits landscape is changing, where wellbeing support is falling short, and where opportunity exists for employers to do better.

The report highlights ongoing challenges around personalisation, communication and perceived value - alongside clear opportunities for HR teams ready to evolve their approach.

Download the full report to uncover the insights, data and trends shaping employee benefits in 2026 - and what they mean for your organisation.

Download now
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What trends will we see in 2026?

In this on-demand webinar, benefits expert Joy Waugh breaks down the key trends shaping employee expectations and explains what should be on every HR team’s resolution list for 2026.

From flexibility and wellbeing to value-driven benefits, the session explores how employers can deliver what employees actually want - not just what they think they want.

If you’re looking to attract top talent, boost morale and strengthen wellbeing across your workforce, this webinar provides practical insights and clear direction on how to make benefits your competitive edge.

Watch on-demand

Blog articles for better benefits in 2026

What Benefits Do Employees Want Most in 2026
What benefits do employees want most in 2026?
Discover what employees want most in 2026 benefits packages, from higher pension contributions and financial wellbeing to flexible working and paid time off.
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The top 5 motivators for employees to use benefits more in 2026
The top 5 motivators for employees to use benefits more in 2026
What’s motivating employees to engage more with their benefits this year? Zest asked, they answered - and the results are pretty eye‑opening...
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Why 2026 is the Year Employers Must Do More for Their People
Why 2026 is the year employers must do more for their people
Delve into the employee benefit trends shaping 2026 and why personalised, wellbeing-focused benefits are now critical for attracting and retaining talent.
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The top 5 benefits being demanded by employees in 2026
The top 5 benefits being demanded by employees in 2026
No need for guesswork - Zest asked 2,000 adults what they want included in their employee reward package for the year ahead. And the results are in!
Read now
The One HR Resolution You Can’t Afford to Break This Year
The one HR resolution you can’t afford to break this year
Did you know the average New Year’s resolution lasts only 17 days? Why not pick one that’s guaranteed to stick (and make a real difference).
Read now
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