Eight in ten working women want better workplace benefits as 55 percent call their current package inadequate.
Nearly three-quarters (74 percent) of female employees want more financial support from their employer, with private medical insurance (PMI) and increased pension contributions the two benefits upgrades most in demand.
The findings, revealed in an Opinium survey commissioned by employee benefits technology provider Zest, have been published ahead of International Women’s Day (8 March, 2025).
Researchers asked what respondents would prioritise if they were to create their own benefits package. More than a third of women plumped for workplace PMI (34 percent) and larger employer pension contributions (33 percent).
In a separate survey question, respondents were asked directly whether they wanted increased pension contributions, 76 percent of female employees agreed. In addition, 72 percent would like more support with essential costs such as food and energy bills and 68 percent would like to see better support with workplace savings.
Overall, 71 percent of working women prioritised financial benefits in their rewards packages, with just 19 percent preferring greater support for workplace wellbeing. More than nine in ten (92 percent) of employers say they have increased investment in wellbeing benefits over the last 12 months.
Survey data also found that the hospitality and leisure sector is the least likely to offer benefits that female employees want. Only 6 percent of employers offer menopause support, while 13 percent offer menstruation leave and maternity support.
The sector is also the least likely to offer the most desired benefits. Just 11 percent offered Workplace PMI and 8 percent provided increased pension contributions.
Almost all employers (97 percent) in the hospitality and leisure sector report increases in workers asking about their benefits package. And among employees in the sector, 62 percent say they would move employers if they were offered better benefits.
Julia Aaltonen, head of HR at Zest, said: “Too many female employees are still being let down by their benefits packages. There is a long way to go to improve support for women in the workplace with reward packages still ignoring the benefits they’re calling for.
“Employers must ensure they listen to female employees to understand which benefits are most important to them – many organisations are yet to embrace a more personalised approach that delivers value for both employer and employees.
“Organisations that are able to meet employee demands around reward packages not only offer enhanced support but can ultimately boost productivity, providing them with a competitive edge. HR leaders with access to simple benefits technology can drive engagement and secure improved value from reward strategies.”
Opinium surveyed 2,000 UK employees and 872 HR decision makers between 1- 12 February 2025.
