The modern workplace is undergoing a significant shift, with employers' approaches to benefits undergoing a transformation. According to Indeed's 2025 U. S. Jobs and Hiring Trends Report, the mention of benefits in job postings has increased from under 40% in late 2020 to 61% in October 2024. This surge is a promising indication of how recruitment and retention strategies are evolving in response to the changing landscape.
As companies reassess their priorities, they are focusing on more selective benefits and omitting some perks altogether. Forbes reports that this shift is driven by the changing nature of the job market... where candidate-driven hiring is increasingly prevalent. Indeed's report highlights a striking contrast in how benefits are advertised depending on the salary range.
Low-wage positions tend to tout perks like transportation stipends and health coverage to attract applicants who may assume that these benefits are not available to them. In contrast, higher-paying roles often assume that senior-level talent already expects standard perks like retirement plans and paid time off, "omitting them from postings." Forbes notes that this duality underscores the diverse range of strategies employed by employers, and it highlights the need for job seekers to be proactive in inquiring about specific benefits and framing their requests in terms of mutual value.
By doing so, "individuals can uncover more options and secure premium perks.".. while employers must be prepared to discuss benefits with depth and clarity to foster trust and demonstrate a genuine investment in employee well-being.
The workplace continues to shift at an unprecedented pace and from how employers have been communicating about benefits, 2025 is emerging as a pivotal tipping point. Mentions of benefits surged in recent years only to level off in late 2024 , according to the Indeed 2025 U.S. Jobs And Hiring Trends Report. This is likely an indicator that recruitment and retention strategies are fundamentally shifting.
Job postings featuring at least one benefit jumped to 61% in October 2024, a remarkable climb from under 40% in late 2020, Indeed reports . The platform predicts this figure will stabilize between 55% and 60% in 2025.
