# Mental Health and Telehealth Take the Lead: State of Benefits 2025 for Small Business

- URL: https://theranews.net/blog/2025-10-17-mental-health-and-telehealth-take-the-lead-state-of-benefits-2025-for-small-busi-a70619/
- Published: 2025-10-17
- Type: Archive summary (AI-assisted summary of third-party reporting)
- Original outlet: TriNet
- Original report: https://www.trinet.com/insights/state-of-benefits-top-employee-benefits
- Topics: telehealth-virtual-therapy
- Publisher: TheraNews, operated by AdvancedCare USA Inc.
- Notice: Educational content, not medical, legal, billing or financial advice. Cite the original outlet, not this summary.

> The TriNet State of Benefits 2025 report reveals a fundamental shift in employee benefit priorities: mental health support ranks as the top priority across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen…

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The TriNet State of Benefits 2025 report reveals a fundamental shift in employee benefit priorities: mental health support ranks as the top priority across Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, with telehealth access following closely as the second-most important benefit. This convergence across generations marks a significant departure from traditional emphasis on medical, dental, and vision coverage, signaling that mental health and telehealth have become table stakes for employers serious about retention.

## Why Mental Health Leads

The elevation of mental health to the top priority reflects workplace stress and burnout affecting nearly every industry, with employees increasingly vocal about well-being support alongside physical health. Each successive generation has become more open about discussing mental health, moving it from a private issue to a workplace priority. Research shows untreated mental health challenges cost employers billions annually in absenteeism and lost productivity, making mental health support both a humanitarian and business decision.

## The Telehealth Advantage

Telehealth's rise to the second priority reflects convenience and cost efficiency. Virtual visits typically cost less than in-person care, while accessibility improves for employees across different locations. The flexibility to see providers without disrupting an entire day particularly appeals to working parents and caregivers.

## Strategic Opportunities for Small Businesses

Small and medium-sized businesses can compete effectively by offering these core benefits cost-effectively. Nearly three-quarters of employees rate personalization as at least moderately important, yet the report found 42% of employees simply rolled over last year's benefits without re-evaluating. HR teams should take a proactive role in benefits education, highlighting offerings and explaining value, while training managers to support mental health and normalizing telehealth use at the cultural level.

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*This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: [https://www.trinet.com/insights/state-of-benefits-top-employee-benefits](https://www.trinet.com/insights/state-of-benefits-top-employee-benefits)*