Roughly two-thirds (64 per cent) of global employers say cost control is their No. 1 benefits priority in 2026, citing it as a key focus as they navigate rising benefits costs, data gaps and operational complexity, according to a new report by Normandin Beaudry and MBWL International.
The survey, which polled more than 300 global employers, found 61 per cent of organizations said they’re effective in managing and governing global benefits, though 23 per cent were neutral and 15 per cent disagreed, suggesting gaps in execution, communication or visibility.
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Employers are also focusing on improving the employee experience, including well-being (45 per cent), communication and positioning of benefits (41 per cent) and health care at (36 per cent).
Global economic and geopolitical uncertainty is influencing benefits strategies. Two-fifths (44 per cent) of respondents said these factors impact benefits spend and 35 per cent cited effects on internal resources for benefits management.
However, measuring global benefits costs remains a challenge, the report noted. More than half (55 per cent) of employers cited the wide variety of plans across countries as the biggest barrier, followed by lack of data at 47 per cent and multiple providers at 46 per cent, highlighting ongoing fragmentation.
To manage rising costs, employers said they’re prioritizing governance (40 per cent), automation of administrative processes (36 per cent) and improved visibility of plan costs (28 per cent), pointing to a focus on structural improvements rather than reducing benefits.
Read: Employers looking to maintain benefits, employee productivity amid a challenging economy