Core Insights - The 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study by Aon reveals that only 14% of multinationals have global guidelines for personalized benefits, despite 65% of employees expressing a desire for more choice in their benefits [1][2] Group 1: Employee Expectations and Company Challenges - Cost management is the top priority for 70% of multinationals, with medical inflation being the primary cost driver, while delivering employee value has become a key objective for benefits leaders [2] - Employees expect a consumer-grade experience in their benefits, which includes meaningful choices and innovative solutions tailored to individual needs [3] - There is a disconnect between rising employee expectations for flexibility and the need for cost management, presenting a challenge for global benefits leaders [2][3] Group 2: Personalization and Inclusion - Personalization now includes inclusive benefits that cater to diverse workforce needs, with nearly two-thirds of leading companies planning to expand offerings focused on families (54%), aging (39%), gender (39%), and lower-income employees (39%) [4] - 25% of survey respondents indicated they would reduce benefits that are less valued by employees to balance investments in more valued offerings [4] Group 3: Overcoming Structural Challenges - While nearly half of companies have a global benefits strategy, only 25% of global benefits leaders feel their governance structure supports their objectives [6] - Leading companies are three times more likely to have formal governance committees and twice as likely to centralize data and decision-making, resulting in better alignment and cost savings [6] Group 4: Technology and Future Outlook - Technology, including AI, offers significant opportunities for delivering employee value and creating cost efficiencies, yet only one in six benefits teams currently utilize AI for benefits design or delivery [7] - The adoption of AI is expected to nearly triple by 2027, but is hindered by legacy systems and governance challenges [7] - Organizations must embrace personalization, invest in inclusive benefits, and leverage data and technology to meet rising expectations and shape the future of work [8]