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municipalauthorities.org | 37 Majority of Employer Boosting Well-Being Programs By Clyde Villa, GBDS, National Insurance Services Amid economic challenges and rising healthcare costs, 93% of employers intend to sustain or enhance well-being programs this year, as per the Business Group on Health's 2025 Employer Well-being Strategy Survey. Notably, 73% will maintain, and 20% will expand these offerings, while 94% will demand better outcomes from well-being vendors. Business Group on Health, a nonprofit representing major U.S. employers, surveyed 131 global employers. Nearly 100% of employers include mental health in their well-being strategies, with 47% prioritizing it. Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are the top benefit, alongside stress management, mindfulness, and resiliency initiatives. The report highlighted that well-being programs will focus on key areas of employee well-being: • Physical Health – Nearly all employers (99%) incorporate physical wellness into their strategies. Two-thirds have adjusted benefits due to increased use of weight loss drugs like GLP-1s. Many also promote exercise through activity challenges. • Financial Heath – Currently, 92% of employers prioritize financial wellness, with all expected to do so by 2026. Key resources include EAPs, financial planning, and tuition reimbursement. • Social Health – 75% of employers incorporate social and community elements into their well-being strategies. While many employers think they offer modern benefits, only 59% of employees agree. This may be due to insufficient benefits education and communication. Employer Takeaways The 2025 Employer Well-being Strategy Survey highlights an increasing appetite for employee wellness benefits. As the majority of employers expand or enhance their wellness programs, these resources will play a key role in shaping the 2026 employee benefits landscape. To learn more about well-being programs, contact Clyde Villa at cvilla@NISBenefits.com or 800.627.3660. S Clyde Villa is a public-sector insurance specialist with 25+ years of experience at National Insurance Services. He is a licensed insurance representative with a Group Benefits Disability Specialist (GBDS) designation. He specializes in life, disability, vision, and dental insurance for public sector organizations in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virginia, and Virginia.