Here’s some new thinking on workplace rewards, as the demands of coping with life’s challenges mean that employees would really value extra leave at crucial times;
Expectations around employee perks are shifting. While salary remains a key factor, it’s no longer the only thing jobseekers are looking for in 2025.
People are now placing more value on practical, wellbeing-focused benefits instead of surface-level gestures that don’t genuinely improve their working lives.
Guy Thornton, Founder of PracticeAptitudeTests.com, says one recent trend shows just how much the workplace is changing:
“Certain employers, such as Molson Coors, Clarion Housing Group, and Magenta Associates, have started offering their staff something called life leave, which gives them extra time off outside of their usual holiday allowance. It can be used for things like moving house, waiting in for a tradesperson, or attending a school event for your child.
“Perks like this show real understanding and flexibility. They recognise that employees have lives outside of work, and that supporting them with time for personal commitments helps reduce stress, build loyalty and boost overall wellbeing. It’s a simple idea, but it can make a big difference.”
Below, Guy explains the top company perks that really matter to employees today, focusing on those that genuinely improve day-to-day life both in and out of work.
The difference between real perks and surface-level gestures:
Free fruit and ping pong tables might once have felt like thoughtful extras, but in 2025, employees are looking for support that genuinely improves their daily lives, not just perks that sound good on paper.
While these perks might create moments of enjoyment, they don’t address the bigger picture of employee wellbeing, flexibility and financial resilience.
1. Flexible working
Unsurprisingly, flexible working continues to be one of the most valued perks. Employees want to feel in control of their time, so having the ability to tailor your schedule, work remotely, or fit work around family or personal priorities has become a non-negotiable for a lot of people.
This helps employees manage childcare commitments, reduce commuting stress, support mental health, or simply work when they feel the most productive. It’s not just nice to have, but has become a major expectation.
2. Health and wellbeing support
Mental health is no longer a taboo subject at work. Employees now actively seek out companies that offer tangible wellbeing support, from mental health days and counselling services to private healthcare and dental contributions.
Rather than one-off wellness incentives, people want to see a consistent and thoughtful approach to supporting their physical and emotional health.
3. Cost of living support
With everyday expenses rising, workers are looking to employers to provide meaningful financial support. This could include help with commuting costs, access to on-demand pay, or home-working allowances.
This type of perk shows empathy and awareness, qualities that matter more than ever in a cost-conscious climate.
4. Career development
Employees in 2025 want to grow, so perks like training budgets, upskilling courses, mentoring and clear career progression routes are proving far more valuable than flashy job titles. People want to feel like their role is going somewhere.
Providing learning opportunities shows that a business is investing in its people, which makes people more likely to stick around.
What do employees value now?
In 2025, the perks that matter most are the ones that make life easier, healthier and more manageable. They don’t need to be flashy or performative, just practical, human, and designed with long-term impact in mind.
Employers that want to attract and retain top talent need to rethink what perks really mean. It’s no longer about trend-led office gimmicks but about listening and offering support that genuinely aligns with the way people live and work today.
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