Benefits play an increasingly pivotal role in the employment relationship, according to the 2011 Mercer Workplace Survey, a nationally representative survey of 1,500 US employees conducted annually by Mercer’s US Outsourcing business. Perceived benefit value and satisfaction ratings are up from previous years, even as employees brace for the impact of health care reform.

“Eight in 10 employees say their benefits are one of the reasons they work where they do, and almost as many say their benefits make them feel appreciated by their company,” says Suzanne Nolan, Partner and Director of Marketing and Communications for Mercer’s US Outsourcing business. “Health benefits in particular get good marks, with far more workers saying these benefits are ‘definitely worth’ the cost they incur for them.”

The employees surveyed also indicate greater awareness of national health care reform. “More employees say their employer has signaled coming changes in their health plan as a result of the new law,” she says. “And while they may not know all of the details yet, employees perceive reform more positively than just a year ago.”

Learn more about employee views on benefits.

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For more information about this survey, visit www.mercer.com/workplacesurvey.