From Fertility to Fitness: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Your Workforce

Today’s workforce is more diverse than it has ever been, not only in terms of demographics, but also in the range of needs and expectations employees have. Entering into 2025, there is increasing pressure on businesses to adapt. The old model of simply offering employees a basic health insurance plan and a modest number of vacation time benefits is archaic. 

A recent report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), published in 2023, indicated that health and wellness benefits are one of the top three factors for 87% of employees when choosing an employer.

A recent Carrot Fertility Global Report indicated that 65% of workers would switch jobs for enhanced fertility benefits.

This comes in tandem with mental health being pushed to the forefront, as the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that at least 5% of the adult population, a staggering 400 million people worldwide, are affected by depression each year.

This is a figure that is present in the workplace. 

With the increasing demand for fitness and work-life balance perks, employers can no longer assume one-size-fits-all benefits packages will be sufficient. The numbers illustrate a broader message: today's employees are looking for holistic, tailored support that encompasses fertility, fitness, mental health, and beyond. 

This blog will explore the opportunities to positively impact your workforce by considering these diverse needs, based on real-time data and useful knowledge.

The Evolving Needs of Today’s Workforce

The workforce of 2025 is a tapestry of priorities and values. Millennials and Gen Z, which now make up most of the workforce, have shifted major workplace values away from traditional perks and have given a higher value to wellness and flexibility.

A Wellhub report published in January 2025 about employee engagement indicated that 78% of employees prioritize workplace well-being as highly as salary, meaning that the compensation review should include how this ties to profiled benefits (e.g., workplace culture, fairness, work/life balance, mental health initiatives).

A similar analysis has taken place in India, which is alarming for us because, like Canada, we operate in a similar cultural context. Life is important, and flexible benefits are no different; we all want more choice in our lives, and it's happening.

There are now over 20% of employers in India who offer modular plans (according to a 2024 ThanksBen study), so flexible benefits are taking off, and it is not a bias.

This is also a growing trend as most employees want their benefits to suit their current stage of life, and their lifestyle.

A One-Size-Fits-All Plan Doesn't Work 

A bare bones plan won't meet the unique needs of a 36-year-old woman, a 45-year-old man, and a 27-year-old girl. The plan is too narrow and sterile.

welUp was designed to bridge the divide between basic insurance and everyday wellness. It’s not just about hospital visits, it’s about proactive and personalized care. 

Fertility: Supporting Family-Building Dreams

Fertility benefits are no longer a niche offering; they’re a necessity.

The Carrot Fertility report underscores this: 65% of employees would jump ship for a company offering fertility support. In India, where cultural emphasis on family remains strong, this resonates deeply.

The cost of IVF, often exceeding ₹2 lakhs per cycle, is a barrier for many, especially when insurance rarely covers it.

welUp tackles this head-on, including IVF, IUI, and egg-freezing in its offerings. For employees working in organisations having welUp, this isn’t just financial relief, it’s emotional validation that their employer cares about their life goals.

Employers benefit too. A 2023 PwC survey found that companies with comprehensive wellness programs, including fertility support, see 30% higher retention rates. Supporting family-building fosters loyalty and reduces turnover, particularly among people of 30- 40 years who receive adequate support in their career & family phase.

Fitness: Building a Healthier Workforce

Physical health is the backbone of productivity.

Zippia’s 2023 data shows that 56% of employees with access to wellness programs take fewer sick days.

welUp’s daily health benefits, like unlimited consultations and fitness-focused perks, empower employees to prioritize their bodies. Picture an employee hitting the gym after a free consultation with a nutritionist, all covered by his employer. He’s not just more fit, he’s happier and more focused at work.

The numbers back this up. Gallagher’s 2024 survey found that 70% of best-in-class employers incentivize fitness, reducing healthcare costs by millions. For employers, welUp’s low-cost model, delivering ₹25,000 in annual free benefits, makes this a no-brainer. It’s an investment that pays off in reduced absenteeism and sharper performance.

Mental Health: The Silent Game-Changer

Mental health is the elephant in the room, or rather, the office.

The Headspace 2024 study revealed that 52% of employees faced burnout last year, with 37% saying it hindered their performance.

In India, where work-from-home and hybrid models blur boundaries, this is amplified. welUp’s free mental health consultations are a lifeline, offering employees like Meena a safe space to process stress without stigma or cost.

The ROI is clear. SHRM’s 2023 data shows that 87% of workers prioritize well-being perks. welUp’s inclusion of mental health in its core offerings signals a forward-thinking approach that resonates with today’s workforce.

Beyond the Basics: Cosmetology, Dental, and More

welUp doesn’t stop at the big three. Free dental checkups and cleanings address an often-overlooked need, oral health impacts overall wellness, yet only 20% of Indian employers fully fund dental coverage.

Cosmetology, too, taps into a growing trend: self-care boosts confidence, which spills over into work. With a 5-lakh credit limit at zero-cost EMI, employees can access these extras without financial strain, all while employers keep costs low.

This breadth sets welUp apart. welUp flips the script, offering a buffet of options that feel bespoke, from fertility to facials.

The Employer Advantage: Cost-Effective Impact

For employers, the math is compelling. welUp’s low-cost structure, delivering at the price of a cup of coffee and free benefits annually, minimizes overhead while maximizing impact. Compare this to traditional plans, where add-ons like fertility or dental can inflate premiums. 

The result? A more productive workforce with better mental health. $1 invested in wellness initiatives typically has a return on investment of $1.47, primarily from lower health care costs and improved productivity.

In addition, well-designed wellness programs can reduce turnover of high performers by 25%, underscoring wellness initiatives' role in the retention of talent.

Meet the diverse needs of your workforce with welUp

From fertility to fitness, the needs of today’s employees are as varied as the people themselves. Platforms like welUp, born from SaveIn’s mission to close healthcare gaps, show what’s possible when employers think beyond the basics. With a flat fee, unlimited consultations, and IVF coverage, they include free dental and mental health, and get up to a 5-lakh credit limit, which is a huge benefit for a fraction of the cost.


As we progress through 2025, clearly, catering to the wide range of needs isn't just a nice-to-have; it's how to create a population of employees who are not just surviving, but thriving.