Cybersecurity and identify theft protection — Cybersecurity breaches are on the rise, and attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated. According to cybersecurity provider Check Point, average weekly cyberattacks per organization reached an all-time high during the third quarter of 2024, a 75% increase from the same time frame in 2023. Social engineering attacks, deepfake technology and artificial intelligence attacks are changing cybersecurity, and employers and employees alike want to do more to protect themselves from evolving modern virtual threats. Aside from employees’ personal lives, cybersecurity threats can also impact their work lives, as more people log on to work at home or remote locations and use their mobile devices while on the go. Term life insurance — Financial security is a goal for many Americans; this includes being prepared for the death of a loved one. The majority of (80%) Americans are concerned about being financially prepared in the event of a premature death, yet almost 30% do not own life insurance, according to life insurance company Guardian. Organizations often offer a base-level group term life insurance that is paid partially or fully by the employer, then give an option for the employee to add more coverage. Group life insurance may seem like an easy decision for employees since the employer has already done the research and selected policy options. Employer-provided life insurance demonstrates a company’s commitment to the welfare of its employees beyond their day-to-day work responsibilities. Legal plans and services — Legal plan voluntary benefits are widely applicable because there is a myriad of reasons why an employee might need assistance. Like other voluntary benefits, legal plans and services can support and enhance employees’ lives outside of work as they deal with personal issues. Offering a group legal plan can help reduce employee stress, time away from work and work time that is used for personal legal issues. These benefits can help in various situations, including common service categories like telephone advice, estate planning documents, real estate matters, financial matters, the leasing or purchasing of a vehicle, traffic offenses and criminal matters. Legal assistance through their benefits can help employees feel more secure and financially prepared should they experience a life event in which they need help. Voluntary benefits are helpful add-ons that can round out any benefits package. They help provide value to employees without raising employers’ costs, making them powerful tools for attraction and retention. These extra perks also allow for more personalization to help satisfy each worker’s unique needs. 25
2025 Employee Benefits Market Outlook Page 24 Page 26