Rising healthcare costs, economic pressures, and changing workforce dynamics have left many employers feeling like they need to do more with less. But cutting back on care support can hurt more than it helps—especially when employee well-being is one of the biggest drivers of productivity.
We’re here to help you think differently about care benefits in 2025. With smarter strategies and thoughtful solutions, you can offer meaningful support to your employees.
Why employee well-being should be a priority (even in tough times)
Employee well-being isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a business imperative. Companies with strong well-being programs see lower turnover rates, higher productivity, and better overall performance.
According to a survey we did of 60 clients and 3,300 employees, 87% of employers reported that Care benefits improved employee productivity, and 81% of employees agreed these benefits helped them be more productive.
Ignoring well-being, on the other hand, comes at a cost. Burnout and caregiving stress lead to absenteeism, presenteeism, and disengagement—all of which impact your bottom line.
But here’s the good news: there are so many ways to make a meaningful impact. Let’s talk about what smarter care support looks like.
Expand benefits beyond parenting
When people hear “care benefits,” they often think of child care support. And while child care is incredibly important, it’s not the full picture. Care needs extend across life stages—from senior care to pet care and even house care.
By broadening your care benefits to include a range of support options, you can meet the diverse needs of your workforce without overcomplicating your offerings.
Practical care benefits that make a real difference
Smarter care support starts with practical solutions that fit your employees’ needs and your budget. Here are a few ideas that deliver high impact:
Care spending accounts
Our Care Spending Account is a flexible fund that employees can use for caregiving needs like child care, senior care, or even pet care. Employees simply submit expenses and get reimbursed quickly.
Why it works: It’s cost-effective, flexible, and shows employees you understand their unique needs.
Backup care solutions
Backup Care ensures employees have reliable support when their usual arrangements fall through, whether for kids, seniors, or pets.
Why it works: Employees can stay focused at work knowing their loved ones are cared for, reducing absenteeism and stress.
Concierge-style support
Sometimes, employees need help finding the right resources. Our Care Specialists connect them with vetted providers, saving time and reducing frustration.
Why it works: It makes accessing care easy and frees employees to focus on work.
What does “smarter” care support look like?
It’s not about adding more line items to your benefits plan. It’s about focusing on solutions that:
- Fit real needs: Benefits should reflect the diverse realities of your employees’ lives.
- Are simple to use: Employees value care solutions that are easy to access and understand.
- Deliver impact: Invest in benefits that provide meaningful support and measurable outcomes.
How Care for Business can help
At Care for Business, we collaborate with employers and brokers to design benefits that truly matter. Here’s how our solutions make an impact:
- Care.com Membership: Employees gain access to a trusted marketplace of caregivers for kids, seniors, pets, and more, making it easier to find the support they need.
- Care Specialists: From senior care experts to relocation advice, our specialists provide personalized guidance and resources tailored to employees’ unique situations.
- Care Spending Account: Give employees the flexibility to address their unique care needs.
- Backup Care: Ensure employees can stay productive, even when regular care falls through.
Get in touch with us and we can offer personalized recommendations for your team, and work with you to create a benefits strategy that fits your goals and budget.
Let’s make 2025 the year of smarter care
Supporting employee well-being doesn’t have to be complex. With the right care benefits in place, you can make a lasting impact on your workforce and your business.
Better care means happier, more productive employees—and a stronger, more resilient organization.
