New Delhi: Mercer Marsh Benefits has released the results of its 2025 Health on Demand report. The report features the results of a survey of over 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including India, about their health and well-being priorities.
The research explores what employees value most from their workplace benefits – and how their expectations are evolving.
Findings for employees in India show that there are high levels of well-being and satisfaction, but also highlight growing expectations around flexibility, personalisation, and long-term support. This shift reflects a broader evolution in the Indian workforce, one that is becoming more rooted in long-term ambitions.
Employers have also emerged as the most trusted source of affordable, quality healthcare. For employers, this presents a timely opportunity to outpace their competition by adapting their benefits strategy and building affordable coverage by focusing on preventive care and early detection through primary care, outpatient provisions (OPD).
Commenting on the report, Prawal Kalita, Managing Director of Mercer Marsh Benefits India, said:
“While India has made strides in employee well-being, our Health on Demand data reveals a concerning dip in perceived employer care. This signals a critical need to move beyond generic programs and embrace a more empathetic, personalised approach to benefits. Employers who actively listen to their employees’ needs and tailor their offerings accordingly will be best positioned to attract and retain top talent in today’s competitive landscape.”
Evolving benefits to remove accessibility barriers
Health systems worldwide continue to face heightened demand and limited resources, making it more difficult for employees to secure access to timely, high-quality care. While the global average of employees reporting delayed care is significant, in India, 25% of employees report having delayed seeking healthcare more than the past two years.
This challenge is further amplified for employees in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where access to specialised medical facilities and qualified healthcare professionals is often limited. Employers can address these barriers by exploring innovative care delivery models, such as telemedicine and partnerships with local healthcare providers.
Employees are also facing challenges associated with extreme climate events. While 77% of employees globally say that events such as floods and heat waves have impacted them or their families, the impact is even more pronounced in India, where 87% of employees report such impacts.
Employers can work proactively to develop business resiliency plans that include benefits for employees facing financial hardship after a natural catastrophe, such as providing emergency savings and loan programs, which over a third (36%) of employees say would be helpful.
Healthcare affordability challenges persist
As healthcare costs continue to rise, employers can build trust with their employees by ensuring they have access to affordable care. In India, 92% of employees are confident they can afford the healthcare they or their family may need.
However, the top two reasons for delaying healthcare are financial reasons and anticipated long wait times. This suggests that even with insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs and other financial considerations are still preventing some employees from getting the care they need.
As life expectancy increases and individuals work longer, employers should also consider prioritising benefits for their employees’ future. While eight in ten (79%) employees globally want their employers to help them plan for health needs in retirement, confidence in employer support in India has dropped from 80% in 2023 to 75% in 2025.
This decline highlights the urgent need for Indian employers to reassess their strategies and ensure employees feel genuinely supported, especially when it comes to long-term health planning.
Personalised benefits strengthen talent strategies
Only 59% of Indian employees feel the benefits they receive meet their current needs. In India, 81% of employees who can personalise their benefits packages feel their employer cares about their health and well-being, compared to just 31% of those who cannot customise their benefits.
As changing needs evolve, employers have an opportunity to create more flexible benefits packages, which can be a strong differentiator for talent attraction and retention, along with cost containment.
Mental health remains a significant concern for employees globally, with nearly half (47%) concerned about mental or emotional health decline, yet only one in five (22%) report their employer provides mental health screenings.
This global trend resonates in India, where 59% of employees are concerned about mental or emotional health decline, and a significant 47% feel stressed in everyday life. By taking proactive steps to encourage colleagues’ mental well-being, employers in India can not only address a critical need but also strengthen their benefits and workforce talent strategies.
Kalita stated: “Accessibility and affordability remain key barriers to healthcare access for many Indian employees. Employers have a significant opportunity to leverage technology and innovative delivery models to bridge these gaps of the diverse workforce. By providing choice-based benefits through flexible benefits solutions and prioritising preventative care, mental health support, and financial well-being, organisations can create a truly holistic benefits experience that empowers employees to thrive.”
