44% of employers say wellbeing more important than salary in recruitment and retention
Posted 23rd July 2026 • Written by Zoe Wickens on employeebenefits.co.uk • • • • • •
Health and wellbeing support was classed as the most important factor in recruitment and retention by 44% of employers, according to new figures from Everywhen.
It surveyed 500 HR decision makers and found that 43% of respondents said salary levels were the most important in employee recruitment and retention.
Working hours and practices were classed as important for recruitment and retention by 42%, and culture and ethos were stated as important by 33%.
More than a third (39%) said the way they support employees’ health and wellbeing is a key reason they stay with the organisation, while 24% said the health and wellbeing support offered is a key reason staff decide to work for the firm in the first place.
Moreover, 34% said health and wellbeing support helps them to recruit and retain key demographics of staff, for example, by age and gender.
Nearly one in five (19%) admitted their organisation does not offer enough health and wellbeing support, and this impacts their ability to recruit and retain staff.
The research also revealed that larger firms place greater emphasis on health and wellbeing to help them recruit and retain talent, whereas smaller ones rely more on salary.
Debra Clark, head of wellbeing at Everywhen, says: “It is great that employers recognise how they can use health and wellbeing benefits to recruit and retain specific demographics, helping to find and match talent with any gaps in the workplace. This shows how employee benefits can be as fundamental to the health and wellbeing of the organisation as they are to the health and wellbeing of the workforce.
“While budgets may be tight, it is shortsighted of employers not to put what they can into health and wellbeing support. With the value that can be added for recruitment and retention alone, a strategic and thoughtful health and wellbeing programme can pay for itself. Employee benefits experts will be able to help put plans in place so that health and wellbeing support can be matched to the requirements and objectives of the organisation.”
To read original article click here