2021 US Benefits Trend Report for 1010XL Listeners

Through a look at employee benefits trends and perspectives from our subject matter experts, and by embracing the change around us (as overwhelming as it can be), we want to empower you with actionable insights that go further to support employee needs. From supplemental health benefits to well-being, HR solutions to digital transformation, pharmacy to compliance, the possibilities are limitless.

Meaningful progress toward your objectives – especially with tight budgets, lingering uncertainty and the pressure of competing for talent – takes commitment, strategy, communication and sound execution. It also requires a partner who listens and can connect their understanding of the landscape and available solutions to your unique goals and needs. This trend report is a first step toward achieving better outcomes for your organization and your employees.

Key highlights

• The use of telemedicine increased 154% from March 2019 compared to March 2020
• More than one-third of Americans have displayed clinical signs of anxiety, depression, or both since the coronavirus pandemic began
• 80% of employers are investing more in mental health and 80% are investing more in financial well-being
• 70% of employees somewhat or strongly agreed that flexible work arrangements are as important as pay or health benefits
• More than 60% of Americans have less than $1,000 in savings to cover an unexpected expense
• For the first time ever, more than half of pharmacy spend was on specialty drugs

Topics our 78-page report covers

• COVID-19 and Benefits Compliance
• Striving to be Strategic: HR Challenges in a Dynamic World
• Ready to Innovate? Start with the Problem
• Empowering Employees with Supplemental Health and Lifestyle Benefits
• Prescription Drug Costs
• Well-Being as a Business Imperative
• Healthcare Delivery Model Trends

About the data

Figures have been generated from our parent company’s (NFP) proprietary benchmarking database and are based on 3,158 employer groups of all sizes. These groups are located in 48 states, plus the District of Columbia, and comprise more than 588 unique NAICS classifications. Readers are advised to consider trends for specific regions, industries and employer-size groups in conjunction with the corresponding national trend. Calculations from NFP’s proprietary benchmarking database are generally based on median data as opposed to averages. Median calculations normalize for outliers in the data, making it more relatable for employers, while averages take outliers into the calculations and could potentially skew the actual benchmark. NFP’s year-over-year trend calculations reflect averages across coverage tiers, regions, industries and employer group sizes. Other data sources are as cited throughout.

What readers are saying

“One of the best I’ve read this year.  Very informative and can help advisors and client service teams lead clients on employee benefit decisions. Saved it and will refer to it.  Thank you.”