We’ve always maintained employee benefits are never a one-size-fits-all solution.

Different industries have distinct priorities, and understanding these nuances is key to building an effective benefits strategy.

The insights in this article come from The Access Group’s Employee Benefits Impact Report.

This research is based on data from our employee benefits and engagement platform used by over 2,000 organisations and 750,000 employees, combined with over 15 years of experience working with businesses of all shapes and sizes.

Retail and Hospitality

Top Benefits: Employee Discounts, Holiday Trading.

Why They Matter: Retail and hospitality employees value everyday savings and flexibility. Discounts on supermarkets and high-street brands dominate usage, while Holiday Trading appeals to those seeking better work-life balance.

Key Insight: Retail shows high engagement with Holiday Trading (18%) but lower transaction values, suggesting affordability constraints. Discounts remain the cornerstone benefit for this sector.

Manufacturing and Transportation

Top Benefits: Technology Scheme, Holiday Trading

Why They Matter: Manufacturing and transportation sectors lead engagement in tech schemes—83% and 69% above average respectively—reflecting demand for home tech and appliances.

Key Insight: Manufacturing tops Holiday Trading engagement (22%), showing appetite for flexible time-off options alongside practical tech benefits.

Public Sector and Not-for-Profit

Top Benefits: Car Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Why They Matter: Public sector engagement with car schemes is 30%—four times the average—driven by stable employment and strong environmental policies. EAP usage is also high, with face-to-face counselling surging to 39% of sessions.

Key Insight: These sectors prioritise benefits that align with mission-driven values and wellbeing support.

Financial Services

Top Benefits: Bike Scheme, Holiday Trading, Car Scheme

Why They Matter: Financial Services employees show premium engagement with Bike Scheme (average application value £1,388) and strong uptake of Holiday Trading (+25% value growth). Car schemes also deliver high application values.

Key Insight: These benefits reflect a focus on lifestyle, flexibility, and sustainability.

Technology and Professional Services

Top Benefits: Technology Scheme, Bike Scheme 

Why They Matter: IT sector engagement with tech schemes is 46% above average, while Bike Scheme values grew 68% year-on-year. These benefits support hybrid working and ESG goals.

Key Insight: Tech-savvy employees value schemes that enhance home working and personal wellbeing.

Health and Social Care

Top Benefits: Technology Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Why They Matter: Engagement with tech schemes is 44% above average, reflecting digital transformation in care delivery. EAP usage highlights the importance of holistic wellbeing support.

Key Insight: Benefits that combine practical tools with emotional support resonate strongly in this sector.

Why Industry Context Matters

Our analysis shows that industry-specific engagement patterns should guide benefit strategies.

For example:

  • · Bike Scheme appeals across sectors but has seen real growth in application values in Wholesale (+127%) and Education (+74%).

Holiday Trading resonates universally but varies in value and uptake depending on financial confidence.

Download the Full Report

For deeper insights, including engagement trends, seasonal patterns, and ROI analysis, download the full Employee Benefits Impact Report.

This report provides actionable data to help HR and Reward leaders tailor benefits strategies that boost engagement, improve wellbeing, and deliver measurable ROI.

 

 

 

Related Companies