Benchmarking Report
2026 Employee Benefits Benchmarking Report
How does your benefits strategy compare to other UK employers?
Understanding what good looks like has never been more important.
Our latest benchmarking report analyses the responses of 200 UK organisations with up to 1,000 employees, giving you a clear view of how benefits, wellbeing and pension strategies are evolving across the market.
If you’re reviewing your current approach or simply want a sense check, this is designed to give you a practical, real-world benchmark.
What we’re seeing in the market
The employee benefits landscape is shifting quickly. Expectations are rising, budgets are under pressure, and HR teams are being asked to do more with less. This year’s data highlights a few clear themes.
AI is now firmly on the HR agenda
More than half of organisations have already implemented AI within their people function, and many others are actively exploring how it can support internal processes, recruitment and employee experience.
Confidence is improving, but change is still coming
More employers now believe their benefits meet employee needs. However, a significant proportion still expect to make changes to keep pace with future workforce expectations.
Flexibility and wellbeing continue to lead demand
Flexible working and mental health support remain the most anticipated employee expectations over the next few years, reinforcing their place at the centre of any benefits strategy.
A return to the office is underway
We’re seeing a noticeable increase in employers requiring more regular office attendance, suggesting a shift in how organisations balance flexibility and collaboration.
How employers are making decisions
One of the most interesting findings is how HR leaders are shaping their strategies.
- Peer recommendations and HR communities remain the most trusted source of insight
- AI tools are now being used more frequently to research benefits solutions
- Employee surveys continue to be the most widely used method to determine needs
This paints a picture of a market that is becoming more data-driven, but still heavily influenced by shared experiences and trusted networks.
What organisations are prioritising
Across all areas of benefits, there is a clear move towards more thoughtful, structured strategies.
- Health and wellbeing is now seen as one of the most important objectives alongside engagement
- Wellbeing programmes have expanded significantly, with more structured approaches across mental, physical and financial support
- Employee experience and use of technology are key focus areas for the next 12 months
At the same time, most organisations are still balancing ambition with reality. Budget constraints and resource challenges remain a common barrier.
Benefits design: what’s actually being offered
The data shows a mature but evolving market:
- Private Medical Insurance remains one of the most valued benefits by employees
- Wellbeing platforms are continuing to grow, particularly in larger organisations
- Most benefits are still employer-funded, although flexibility in design is becoming more nuanced
There is also a growing gap between what organisations offer and what employees actually value, which creates an opportunity for employers willing to rethink their approach.
Pensions are back in focus
Workplace pensions are receiving renewed attention.
A large proportion of organisations are planning to review their pension scheme in the next 12 months, alongside an increase in governance activity and adviser support.
This reflects a broader shift: pensions are no longer just compliance-driven, but a key part of the overall benefits strategy and employee value proposition.
Why this matters
For many organisations, the challenge isn’t a lack of ideas. It’s knowing where to focus.
This report helps you:
- Benchmark your current benefits offering against similar organisations
- Understand where expectations are heading
- Identify gaps in your current strategy
- Prioritise changes based on what actually matters
Download the full report
To explore the full dataset, including detailed breakdowns by company size, benefit type and emerging trends, download the complete benchmarking report.
Get your FREE copy today!
Our research and benchmarking report is exclusively focused on UK organisations with employee headcounts of up to 1,000 and the data and conclusions shared in this report are directly relevant to companies of this size and profile.
Or, get a personalised benchmark
If you’d rather skip straight to what this means for your organisation, we can help.
We offer a complimentary benchmarking review to:
- Compare your current benefits against the market
- Highlight strengths and potential gaps
- Provide practical recommendations tailored to your business
Contact Us
https://player.vimeo.com/video/403621267 
