Recap:
2025 Employee Benefits Conferences

ICYMI: Humankind broke down the key takeaways from the 2025 employee benefits conference season

Key Takeaways That Moved Us

From coast to coast (with a few well-earned frequent flyer miles in between), Humankind was on the ground this spring at some of the most influential events in employee health, benefits, and well-being. As the conversation around employee support continues to evolve, so too does the urgency to design benefits that reflect the real lives of the people they serve.

Below, we’re sharing highlights and key takeaways from the events we attended — including data-driven insights, bold new ideas, and the recurring themes we believe will shape the next chapter of employee well-being. Whether you joined us in the room or are catching up from afar, here’s what stood out this conference season.

Key Takeaways: Employer Imperatives

“Act Now”

1️⃣ Be open to change

Trying new ideas is key to fixing benefit and healthcare challenges - the same ol’ benefits will produce the same ol’ results.

2️⃣ Make healthcare more affordable

“Unsustainable cost increases” have sustained for 25 years. New payment models, smarter network designs, and benefit strategies are being explored to reduce total costs and improve access to care.

3️⃣ Help struggling employees

Companies are identifying and addressing the needs of employees struggling with a huge range of out-of-work challenges stemming from daily struggles and a lack of a support network.

4️⃣ Manage rising healthcare costs

Pharmacy costs are a major driver of projected record health care spending increases. Employers are focusing on proactive cost-containment strategies.

5️⃣ Demand transparency and accountability

Employers want clear pricing and honest partnerships, and are holding vendors accountable to deliver (meaningful) results.

6️⃣ Adapt to legislative and regulatory shifts

New laws like the “Lower Costs, More Transparency Act” are reshaping benefit design — employers need to stay informed and responsive.

Key Takeaways: Benefit Priorities

“Invest in outcomes”

1️⃣ Focus on primary care and equity

High-quality primary care is vital for disease prevention and advancing health equity. Employers play a key role in supporting equitable and accessible care.

2️⃣ Prioritize mental health

Workplace-based mental health support, like therapy at the office, is gaining traction as part of a more holistic employee health strategy while progressive employers employ proactive mental health support.

3️⃣ Strengthen benefits for the future

Resilient benefit strategies are being built to address risks like pandemics, high-cost drugs, and cybersecurity, while also supporting longer-term health goals.

4️⃣ Use technology and data wisely

AI and data analytics are being adapted to enhance care delivery, identify savings, and drive better health outcomes.

5️⃣ Focus on women’s health

Women’s health is being re-evaluated with a focus on inclusivity, comprehensive care, and employer responsibility.

6️⃣ Make benefits easy to understand

Clear, engaging messaging help employees use their benefits, but many employees benefit from direct outreach to use the right benefits at the right time.