Top 5 Wellness Perks Employees Love

In the world we live in today, employers are realizing that employee wellness is not just an optional program. Employees are feeling more stressed, burnt out, and have mental health struggles, and the trauma of the pandemic has contributed to that. 

In this way, allowing for wellness perks has moved from optional programs to "a best practice" for businesses. But what are the best wellness perks? What do employees want? The short answer: Employees wish for the perks that truly invest in their health, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. So, let’s break down the top 5 wellness perks employees love, and why they are more important than ever, as we are in 2025. 

1. Flexibility (Remote Work and Hybrid Schedule)

Nothing says "we trust you" more than flexibility in your work life. Since the pandemic, one of the greatest benefits of working from home and/or having a hybrid schedule is the ability to share and schedule work-life, allowing employees to feel as if they have time guaranteed for their personal lives. 

Whether they are working a couple of days from home, having a changed start time, or working remotely because they have chosen not to return to a traditional office, flexibility allows employees to merge their work and personal lives.

The Real Wellness Impact

• Less Stress: Employees do not have long commutes, which cuts down on employees' stress and improves overall mood.
• Improved Sleep & Health Habits: Flexibility in one’s schedule consistently improves sleep, exercise, and/or healthier food choices.
• Increased Productivity & Satisfaction: Stanford found that remote and flex employees are 13% more productive and more likely to stay longer.

Real-World Examples

• Airbnb announced a permanent “live and work anywhere” policy, encouraging work-life integration.
• Spotify’s Work From Anywhere model lets employees choose not only where they work but also when.

2. Mental Health Support & Therapy Benefits

Mental health has finally entered mainstream workplace discussions, and for good reason. Employees today are seeking more than just an EAP hotline or occasional mindfulness workshop. They want real, accessible, and judgment-free mental health care.

The Real Wellness Impact

• Higher Engagement: Mind Share Partners' study found that employees who felt supported by mental health resources were 2 times as likely to feel engaged at work.
• Less Absenteeism: Giving employees mental health days not only decreases output burnout but also supports long-term productivity.
• Better Company Culture: A company culture that prioritizes emotional wellness fosters open and psychologically safe conversations.

What Great Mental Health Perks Look Like

• Fully or partially covered therapy sessions (in-person or virtual)
• Meditation and mindfulness app subscriptions (like Calm or Headspace)
• In-house counselors or mental health wellness applications (like welUp)

Real-World Examples

• Lyra Health has a partnership with companies like Google and Starbucks, providing employees access to research-backed mental health care at little to no cost.
• Microsoft provides mental health days off and extensive mental wellness resources, alongside their health insurance.

3. Wellness Perks and Lifestyle Spending Accounts

The beauty of wellness perks is freedom. Employees are unique. What recharges one person does not recharge someone else. Some people prefer yoga; some prefer a massage, a new set of running shoes, or a meditation retreat.  Stipends allow for personalized wellness.

The Real Wellness Impact

• Personal Empowerment: People know what works for them best. These perks reflect that understanding.
• Physical & Mental Boosts: Investing in hobbies or health-related gear supports both the body and mind.
• Sense of Appreciation: Offering wellness stipends says “we care about your life beyond your job.”

What This Can Look Like

• Monthly or annual perks for wellness-related expenses
• Reimbursements for gym memberships, fitness trackers, or therapy
• Access to financial wellness platforms or financial coaching

Real-World Examples

• Expensify gives employees a monthly stipend for anything wellness-related, from guitar lessons to snowboarding gear.
• Notion provides an annual wellness stipend that employees can use for travel, health-related equipment, or wellness experiences.

4. Fitness & Movement Incentives

Let’s be honest, sitting for 8+ hours a day is rough on the body. Offering movement-based perks is not just about gym memberships anymore. Employees crave fun, convenient, and inclusive ways to stay active.

The Real Wellness Impact

• Boosted Mood & Mental Health: Physical activity increases endorphins, reducing anxiety and improving focus.
• Reduced Health Costs: Active employees generally have lower healthcare costs and fewer chronic conditions.
• Community Building: Group activities (virtual or in-person) promote teamwork and camaraderie.

Innovative Approaches

• On-site yoga, pilates, or fitness classes (or access to a digital library)
• Step or activity challenges with prizes
• Partnerships with apps like welUp, Peloton, ClassPass, or Apple Fitness+
• Ergonomic assessments and support for home office fitness (standing desks, walking pads, etc.)

Real-World Examples

• Google has bike paths, rock climbing walls, and on-site fitness.
• Buffer offers to reimburse employees for gym memberships, fitness classes, or a personal trainer.
• CuraLinc partners to offer employers a holistic wellness program with movement challenges of their unique design.

5. Nutrition & Healthy Eating Programs

You can’t survive on coffee and vending machine snacks forever. Employees are grateful for employers who offer nutrition support, especially when balancing deadlines with family schedules. Good nutrition builds mental clarity, energy levels, and supports good long-term health.

The Actual Wellness Benefits

• More Energy & Focus: Adequate nutrition promotes better concentration and cognitive function.
• Fewer Sick Days: Eating a balanced diet supports the immune system.
• Employee Happiness: By offering fresh and nutritious options, you can better show your true investment in employee well-being. 

Nutritional Perks to Consider

• Healthy snacks at the office or delivered to remote workers
• Virtual cooking classes or nutrition workshops
• Meal prep delivery subsidies or partnerships (e.g., HelloFresh, Daily Harvest)
• Customised Diet Plan (e.g., welUp)
• Access to registered dietitians or nutritionists

Real-World Examples

• LinkedIn offers free food, but places a large emphasis on healthy and sustainable ingredients. 
• Salesforce provides both in-office food options and nutrition education resources.
• Asana hires local chefs to chef plant-based meals, with instruction on cooking.

Wellness Is Not One Size Fits All

The best wellness benefits are not just perks and giveaways - they are a true expression of a company culture built upon a foundation of care, respect, and sustainability.

Conclusion

Investing in wellness perks isn’t just about boosting productivity; it’s about building trust, loyalty, and a vibrant workplace culture. Companies that lead with empathy and holistic care will attract and retain top talent far better than those offering superficial perks.

The workplace of 2025 (and beyond) is one where humans come first, and work supports life.

Whether you're a startup founder, HR professional, or team leader, the message is clear: “Put your people first, and everything else will follow”.

Want to Elevate Your Company’s Wellness Game?

welUp by SaveIN is one such initiative in the field of employee wellness programs. Elevate your business by providing welUp to the employees for their everyday health benefits.

Because at the end of the day, happy, healthy employees aren’t just more productive, they’re also more creative, loyal, and inspiring to be around.

And that’s good business!