The 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces Report, which surveyed 1,003 employers and 2,000 employees across the United States, reveals workplace benefits trends that directly impact how you should view the workplace. With half of all employers struggling to offer competitive compensation packages, benefits have become increasingly significant to job satisfaction and retention. In fact, 62% of employees would consider leaving for better benefits even if it meant lower pay – up from 53% in 2023.
Technology adoption continues to reshape workplaces, including government operations. While AI and digital tools can enhance productivity, 50% of workers express concern about AI’s growing use, and 38% worry about job replacement. This presents both a challenge and opportunity for professionals to develop AI skills, as 76% of employers believe becoming comfortable with AI is crucial for competing in today’s workplace. For managers, communicating that technology is meant to enhance rather than replace human roles will be essential to addressing staff concerns.
Work arrangements are also evolving, with hybrid models showing the strongest employee satisfaction (74%) compared to fully remote (71%) or on-site (70%) options. This is particularly relevant for professionals who may have experienced shifts in work arrangements during recent years and the pandemic. However, each arrangement presents unique challenges: on-site workers report more burnout, remote workers struggle with technology issues, and hybrid workers have concerns about career advancement.
Mental health has emerged as a critical workplace concern, with 59% of employees experiencing moderate to high burnout and 74% reporting significant workplace stress. It is worth noting that 76% of workers now rank mental health coverage as equal in importance to medical coverage. In fact, organizations offering mental health support see higher employee satisfaction rates, with 71% of employers now providing such coverage (up from 61%).
To read the full report on workplace benefits trends – 2024-2025 Aflac WorkForces Report Executive Summary.
