What Employees Want in 2025: Retention and Engagement Strategies That Work
In today’s workplace, employees aren’t just seeking a paycheck—they’re looking for purpose, flexibility, and an employer that truly values them. According to Aon’s latest Employee Sentiment Study 2025, businesses that fail to address these evolving needs risk losing top talent. The good news? With a thoughtful approach to engagement, benefits, and culture, organizations can turn these challenges into opportunities.
Here’s what HR leaders need to know—and what you can do about it.
1. Employees Are on the Move: Retention Needs a Rethink
The study reveals a striking stat: 60% of employees are either considering leaving or actively seeking new opportunities within the next 12 months. In an increasingly competitive job market, retention strategies must go beyond compensation.
What You Can Do:
✅ Reinforce Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) – Ensure that your EVP aligns with what today’s workforce values: well-being, career growth, and meaningful work.
✅ Invest in Career Development – Employees crave growth. Offering leadership development programs and upskilling opportunities can boost engagement and loyalty.
✅ Enhance Communication – Employees can’t appreciate what they don’t know. Clear, transparent communication about career progression, benefits, and company culture fosters a sense of belonging and stability.
💡 How BetterThrive can help: Retention starts with engagement. Our customized workforce engagement solutions help companies strengthen leadership, improve communication, and build a culture where employees want to stay. Book a discovery call today!
2. Compensation Isn’t Enough: Benefits & Culture Matter
While 47% of employees rank pay and benefits as their top priority, the study highlights that culture and flexibility are just as influential. 21% of employees prioritize a fun and engaging work environment, while 20% want to work for a company that aligns with their values.
What You Can Do:
✅ Personalize Benefits – One-size-fits-all doesn’t cut it anymore. 72% of employees say they want customizable benefits, yet only 41% report having that option.
✅ Offer Well-Being Support – Health and wellness programs, mental health resources, and flexible work options directly impact employee satisfaction.
✅ Focus on Inclusion & Belonging – Employees want to feel seen, heard, and valued.
💡 How BetterThrive can help: Not sure how to tailor your benefits strategy? Our Mental Wellness Solutions include expert-led talks on workplace mental health, stress management, and peer support group facilitation. Book a discovery call today!
3. The Power of Flexibility: Hybrid Work Still Wins
Hybrid workers report the highest levels of job satisfaction and well-being. Meanwhile, fully remote employees are 52% more likely to feel undervalued, and office-based employees are 10% more likely to feel disengaged.
What You Can Do:
✅ Find the Right Balance – Flexibility is key, but structure matters. Hybrid models that provide in-person collaboration alongside remote work opportunities keep employees engaged.
✅ Equip Managers to Support Hybrid Teams – Without proper training, managers struggle to build trust and cohesion in a distributed workforce.
✅ Create an Inclusive Remote Culture – Hybrid and remote employees need strong communication, recognition programs, and opportunities for career growth.
💡 How BetterThrive can help: Our solutions are designed to support both in-person and remote teams, ensuring that every employee feels connected, valued, and engaged—wherever they work. Book a discovery call today!
4. Why Financial Security Matters More Than Ever
Financial stress is one of the biggest concerns among employees, impacting both well-being and productivity. The study shows that employees experiencing financial insecurity are more likely to be disengaged, less productive, and at higher risk of turnover. A lack of financial education and support leaves many workers struggling to plan for the future, leading to long-term instability.
What You Can Do:
✅ Provide Financial Education – Employees who understand budgeting, investing, and retirement planning feel more confident and secure.
✅ Offer Practical Support – Programs that provide access to financial planning tools and resources can help reduce stress and improve decision-making.
✅ Connect Financial Wellness to Employee Engagement – When employees feel financially secure, they are more engaged, focused, and productive at work.
💡 How BetterThrive can help: Our Financial Literacy solutions offer talks and peer/cohort sessions on key financial topics like investment, retirement planning, and budgeting to help employees feel financially secure. Book a discovery call today!
5. Health & Well-Being Are More Than a Perk—They’re Essential
Employees want practical support in their daily lives, from nutrition and fitness guidance to stress management resources. Investing in holistic well-being not only improves engagement but also reduces burnout and absenteeism.
What You Can Do:
✅ Offer Workplace Wellness Programs – Employees perform better when they feel good. Providing access to nutrition coaching, fitness challenges, and mental well-being support fosters a healthier workforce.
✅ Encourage a Culture of Health – Simple initiatives like guided movement breaks, mental health check-ins, and flexible work schedules can make a big impact.
✅ Provide Cohort-Based Support – Employees benefit from peer support and structured group coaching, creating accountability and lasting behavior change.
💡 How BetterThrive can help: Our Nutrition & Fitness Programs include engaging talks on building healthier habits, as well as group coaching and cohort-based sessions to keep employees motivated. Book a discovery call today!
The Bottom Line: Build a Workforce That Thrives
The 2025 Aon Employee Sentiment Study confirms what forward-thinking HR leaders already know: engagement, well-being, and culture are just as critical as pay when it comes to attracting and retaining top talent.
🔹 Employees want to feel valued, supported, and empowered.
🔹 Customization is key—flexible benefits and tailored work experiences matter.
🔹 Investing in engagement and learning today creates a resilient, future-ready workforce.
