Containing rising health care costs while recruiting and retaining a talented workforce is a challenge for employers. However, 6 in 10 are implementing initiatives to address both, according to the 2023 Best Practices in Healthcare Survey from WTW.

"As companies face steep health care cost increases, they are not losing sight of the importance of addressing employees' needs," said Courtney Stubblefield, the company's managing director for health and benefits. "However, it's not a simple challenge for employers to navigate. Each employer needs to find the unique portfolio of programs and solutions that will best control its costs while meeting the health care and specific needs of its organization."

The survey found that more than two-thirds of U.S. employers are focused on managing health care plan costs. This follows a projected cost increase next year of 6.4%, compared with the average 6% increase employers experienced this year. Almost as many employers (63%) are focused on enhancing mental health and emotional wellbeing programs. Other priorities include employee experience (40%); communication (38%); diversity, equity and inclusion (37%); and employee affordability (34%).