2026 Employee Benefits Market Outlook 28 These younger working generations are interested in a personal and holistic approach to wellness thats based on science-backed support and helps them focus on recovery and longevity. Mental Health Becomes Mental Fitness The conversation around mental health continues to evolve. In 2026, the focus is on mental fitness, which involves building resilience and emotional strength pro- actively rather than reacting to burnout or crisis. Similar to how regular exercise helps individuals maintain their physical fitness, proactively taking care of ones mental health is also crucial to overall well-being. Mental fit- ness is the general ability to navigate lifes challenges with resilience, focusing on a response rather than a reaction. Mental fitness is essential for a healthy and resilient workforce. As such, more employers are introducing perks and benefits, including mental health coaching to develop coping strategies and emotional agility, as well as dedicated mental fitness days to recharge without stigma. Employers may be considering ways to expand their EAPs and subsidize mental health apps. A sig- nificant part of this shift involves normalizing mental health conversations in the workplace and training managers to recognize the signs of stress and burnout. Modern employers are investing in resources and tools to equip employees with the skills and support they need to be resilient and prevent issues before they escalate. This shift reframes mental health as a skill to be cultivated, not a problem to be solved. Spotlight on Womens Health Support Driven by increasing demand from workers, womens health is driving change in workplace wellness. More employees are looking for fertility support, meno-pause care and maternal health resources. However, according to Mavens 2025 report, only 40% of organi- zations provide fertility services, 49% include prenatal support and 21% offer menopause-specific support in their benefits. As women of Generation X (Gen X)those born between 1965 and 1980experience perimenopause and menopause, they are more vocal than previous generations about needing more information, advo- cating for themselves and sharing their experiences. Gen X is the first generation to bridge the digital and analog eras, and theyre finding that little menopause information is available. Furthermore, many doctors arent well-versed in menopause care, further fueling confusion. According to The Menopause Society, fewer than 20% of primary care physicians in the United States receive formal menopause training. As a result, patients often receive misdiagnoses and a frustrating sense that everything is fine. Many Gen X women were shocked by perimenopause symptoms, timing and other changes happening, so theyre speaking up, advocating for treatment options like hormone therapy and taking control of their menopause experience.