Employee Benefits Market Check Survey: Changes to Benefit Offerings in 2026

Employers again faced a challenging medical renewal season, prompting many to reassess their overall benefits strategy and make decisions about adding, enhancing, or reducing programs. As organizations continue to balance rising cost pressures with evolving employee expectations, the focus remains on maintaining a well-rounded benefits package that meets workforce needs while remaining financially sustainable.

To better understand the changes employers are considering for 2026, we conducted two polls on November 20. The following summarizes the responses and highlights emerging trends.

*Results based on 49 employer respondents.

Key Findings

We found that a significant number of employers have adjusted their benefits strategies for 2026. Approximately 39% reported adding new benefits, with the most common areas of expansion including health and well-being offerings (such as medical, dental, and pharmacy benefits).

On the other side, only 36% of respondents indicated they reduced or eliminated at least one benefit. Among those organizations, the most frequently cited reasons were for cost containment. A meaningful number of employers (67%) indicated no major changes, reinforcing that while some organizations are actively recalibrating their benefits, others are maintaining steady-state offerings. Given the very challenging 2026 renewal season, this was a surprising but welcome outcome.

Overall, the data highlights an environment where employers are balancing cost pressures and employee expectations, with many selectively enhancing benefits that support well-being, flexibility, and financial security, while reevaluating programs with lower impact or higher costs.

Should you have any questions regarding any of this information or want to discuss your benefits strategy, please contact your local Assurex Global adviser.