Mumbai, June 26, 2025: The 2025 Health on Demand report by Mercer Marsh Benefits highlights a growing shift in Indian employees' expectations around workplace well-being, with increased focus on personalization, affordability, and long-term health support. The report surveyed over 18,000 employees across 17 markets, including India, to explore changing workforce needs.
While a majority of Indian employees report high levels of satisfaction, the study reveals rising concerns over healthcare access, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and increased vulnerability to climate-related disruptions. About 25% of Indian employees reported delaying healthcare over the past two years, mainly due to financial reasons and long wait times. Additionally, 87% of Indian employees said they or their families had been affected by climate events like floods or heatwaves.
“Our 2025 Health on Demand report provides a strategic blueprint for employers, encapsulated in our 'Health is Wealth, Health is Personal, Health is Security' framework. Specifically for India, it is the growing emphasis on longevity and planning for the future,” said Sanjay Kedia, CEO, Marsh McLennan India and Marsh India. “Employers have a profound opportunity to build trust and commitment by prioritizing benefits that support long-term health planning and financial well-being, ensuring their workforce thrives not just today, but well into retirement.”
The report also found a noticeable decline in the perception of employer support in India—from 80% in 2023 to 75% in 2025. Only 59% of Indian employees said current benefits meet their needs. However, 81% of those who can personalize their benefits packages felt their employer cared about their well-being, compared to just 31% among those who cannot.
Mental health concerns remain prominent, with 59% of Indian employees worried about mental or emotional decline and 47% reporting stress in daily life. Despite this, only a minority of employers provide mental health screenings or structured support.
“While India has made strides in employee well-being, our Health on Demand data reveals a concerning dip in perceived employer care. This signals a critical need to move beyond generic programs and embrace a more empathetic, personalized approach to benefits,” said Prawal Kalita, Managing Director, Mercer Marsh Benefits India. “By providing choice-based benefits through flexible solutions and prioritizing preventative care, mental health support, and financial well-being, organizations can create a truly holistic benefits experience that empowers employees to thrive.”
The report underscores the need for Indian employers to adopt flexible, tech-enabled benefits strategies that address employee diversity, affordability challenges, and future-focused health planning.
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