NFP, an Aon company, has released its 2025 NFP US Benefits Trend Report, offering insights into how employers are balancing competitive benefits with cost containment and fiduciary responsibilities. The report highlights trends in healthcare, prescription drug management, leave policies, and employee wellbeing programs.
1. Commitment to Healthcare Benefits
- Despite rising healthcare costs, 43% of employers increased healthcare spending, with only 4% reducing it.
- Employers are balancing quality healthcare access with minimizing costs passed to employees.
2. Price Transparency to Control Costs
- Transparency legislation empowers employers to better manage healthcare costs.
- 74% of employers prioritize data analytics for selecting health and welfare vendors.
- Innovative solutions adopted include:
- Value-based benefits (35%).
- Direct-to-hospital/provider agreements (27%).
3. Managing Prescription Drug Costs
- Employers prioritize controlling prescription drug spending (70%).
- Strategies include:
- Direct PBM carve-outs or coalition participation (64%).
- Comprehensive audit frameworks to ensure cost efficiency and benefit quality.
4. Addressing Leave Management Challenges
- 71% of employers spend over four hours on each leave request.
- Technology-supported or outsourced leave management solutions are gaining traction to improve compliance and reduce inefficiencies.
5. Expanding Wellbeing Offerings
- Employers are enhancing mental health support for employees and their families, including services for caregivers.
- Physical wellbeing initiatives focus on holistic health, sustainable lifestyle changes, and GLP-1 drugs for weight management.
- Social wellbeing programs aim to foster workplace connections for both remote and in-office teams.
The 2025 NFP US Benefits Trend Report underscores the need for proactive and innovative strategies in benefits management. Employers must leverage data, transparency, and targeted wellbeing initiatives to support their workforce while optimizing costs.
