Health savings pathways

It’s clear that happy and healthy employees help businesses do well. When workers feel good, they’re more productive and motivated, which helps the company succeed.

A study from Oxford, “Workplace Well-being and Firm Performance,” shows strong proof of this connection. The study found that companies with healthier employees are more profitable and keep their workers longer.¹

At Optum Financial, we’re committed to delivering an exceptional benefits experience that focuses on whole-person health. We’re transforming the way health care is financed and paid for, setting new standards for employee well-being.

As benefit professionals, you can help foster employee benefits engagement, help employees navigate your wellness strategy and support improved employee health.

The importance of employee benefits is clear in their ability to boost employee retention, contribute to corporate success and the resources required to provide them.

Employers usually spend 30–40% of workers’ base salary on benefits, highlighting their commitment to employee well-being.²

Some expect this spending will go down, but a recent study found that 64% of employers plan to improve their health and well-being benefits, demonstrating that companies understand how important it is to care for their employees’ health.³

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AIPCA) took these findings a step further. Surveying their employees, they found that 80% of people would choose a job with benefits over one that pays 30% more yet has no benefits.⁴

Similarly, the 2023 EBRI/Greenwald Survey found that 79% of employees think their employer should take care of their health and well-being.⁵

Benefits are not just seen as extra — they are essential.

These findings highlight the critical role of employee benefits insights in attracting and retaining top talent. When companies clearly communicate the value of benefits, they can meet employee expectations, increase job satisfaction and create healthier outcomes.