Global Employee Benefits and Multinational Pooling Market Report

Over 80 percent of HR professionals worldwide agree that wellness programs improve employee health, boost retention, and cut absenteeism. And yet—51 percent say there’s a disconnect between their company’s wellness offerings and how executives actually support employee wellbeing day-to-day.

This surprising contrast is one of many findings from the newly released Global Employee Benefits and Multinational Pooling Market Report, from Insurope – The Premier Multinational Pooling Network.

The report explores the evolving realities faced by HR leaders navigating complex global challenges, including economic pressures, regulatory shifts, and the constantly changing expectations of employees ranging from Gen Z to Baby Boomers.

The Global Wellbeing Disconnect

Many companies are investing in wellness programs but falling short in embedding wellbeing into their leadership culture. The message is clear: if wellbeing is going to work, it has to be more than a benefit—it has to be a behavior.

Other Top Takeaways from the Report:

• Employee Needs Drive Provider Choices: Meeting the needs of a diverse, multigenerational workforce is the top priority, outranking cost, customization, and available options.
• Cost Still Rules the Conversation: Rising expenses continue to pressure benefit strategies, pushing companies to seek smarter, more sustainable solutions.
• Multinational Pooling as a Strategic Edge: One in three decision-makers consider multinational pooling central to their strategy, citing benefits like better cost control, stronger governance, and more efficient risk management.
• Flexibility is Non-Negotiable: Adaptable, customizable benefits are essential as companies balance global consistency with local expectations.

'“This survey offers a valuable snapshot of the challenges HR professionals are facing as well as the growing complexity of managing employee benefits across markets,” said Morten Unneberg, CEO at Insurope. “This report demonstrates Insurope’s commitment to supporting multinational companies not only in providing locally tailored employee benefits, but in making more informed decisions about the benefits they choose.”

A Post-Pandemic Pivot
The report also notes some shifts in benefits since COVID. Some offerings, like tuition support and childcare, have declined, while others offerings focused on holistic wellbeing appear to be gaining ground. Inflation and rising healthcare costs are forcing companies to think creatively and act intentionally.

At the heart of it all? A need for balance—between global strategy and local execution, between cost savings and employee value, and between saying wellbeing matters and showing it.

This report is based on a survey conducted by a third-party research firm, HawkPartners, in January 2025. The survey includes responses from over 1,000 HR decision-makers across the globe.

Request the full Report today HERE.