Justworks identifies seven key employee benefits trends for 2026 that small U.S. employers should plan for. Healthcare costs continue rising with premiums expected to climb 5–9%, pushing firms to model cost scenarios, adjust plan design, and target preventive care. Mental health support is expanding beyond basic offerings to improve productivity and engagement. Family-friendly benefits, including reproductive and caregiver support, are in increasing demand across generations. New 2026 FSA contribution limits will enhance financial wellbeing at no extra cost. Personalization through voluntary benefit options lets employees tailor coverage without raising employer costs. Managing multi-state compliance risks is crucial for remote and distributed workforces, and technology adoption—including

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