In the Mercer “Making Smart Benefit Choices” survey of 10,400employees in 10 worldwide markets found employees tend to selectbenefits that provide instant gratification over long-termvalue.

In seven of the 10 survey markets, paid time off was among thetop three employee choices. Only six out of 10 markets listedhealth-related benefits among their top three choices.

Employers say they would like to give employees moredecision-making power over their benefits options, but the surveyresults show employees have yet to find a balance between short-and long-term value.

“Employees valuing more time off and increased pay in thecurrent stress-filled economic environment may be understandable,but there are other benefits that have the potential to create moreincome protection through health benefits and income replacementthrough retirement and savings vehicles,” said Dave Rahill,president of Mercer's Health & Benefits business. “Thischallenge puts even more pressure on employers to deeply understandand communicate the value of various benefits to their employees sothey can make smart choices.”

Closer to home, U.S. employees said they were most willing topay for disability, life and auto insurance. Accident and hospitalindemnity insurance were also relatively popular, while legalassistance and identity theft insurance ranked near the bottom.

Disability insurance appeals more to those aged 55-64 andtransportation industry employees; retail discounts to youngsingles living independently and households with children; andhospital indemnity insurance to those aged 65 and older and seniormanagers. Auto insurance ranks highly among those that work morethan 50 hours a week and those in the high-tech industry; homeownerinsurance among those with household incomes between $50,000 and$60,000; and pet insurance among those in professionalservices. 

This article originally appeared onLifeHealthPro.com.