Survey Reveals Disconnect Between Employers and Employees on Healthcare Benefits

The State of Healthcare Survey 2025, sponsored by Quantum Health and conducted by Employee Benefit News, sheds light on the evolving dynamics between employers and employees over healthcare benefits. The findings indicate a significant disconnect in perceptions and expectations, with employers scaling back benefits due to rising costs and shifting employee demands, while employees remain largely unaware or unsatisfied with the offerings.

One of the critical issues identified is the trust gap, which complicates the decision-making process around healthcare benefits. Employers are under pressure to deliver value, yet many question whether employees fully utilize or even desire the benefits provided. This discrepancy underscores the importance of effective communication strategies to bridge the gap and enhance employee engagement with healthcare options.

Janet King, SVP of Content Strategy at Arizent, emphasizes the role of trust in this equation, stating that it has become a pivotal factor in determining the success of healthcare benefits programs. The survey also challenges longstanding assumptions about who both parties trust in the decision-making process, suggesting a need for a reevaluation of current strategies.

For employers, the implications are clear: to improve satisfaction and outcomes, a more nuanced approach to communicating benefits and understanding employee preferences is essential. The full report offers further insights into aligning benefits communication with employee expectations and the potential risks of reducing benefits offerings. Download the full report here.