In 2024, employees expect more than just a paycheck—they want to be seen, supported, and valued as people. Mental health and emotional well-being have become top priorities, and companies are responding accordingly. In 2024, 70% of U.S. employers offer some form of health and wellness perks, up from 62% in 2020, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). These perks go beyond health insurance to include benefits such as on-site fitness centers, mental health days, meditation rooms, and access to counseling services. This shift highlights the growing importance of holistic health support in the workplace.
Health and wellness is just one of the categories we spotlight in the 2024 VIBE Awards, which celebrate the companies on The Muse offering the most comprehensive and employee-centered benefits. "VIBE" stands for "Voted In By Employees," reflecting our unique methodology that combines proprietary data with real employee feedback, where employees rank the strength of their company’s perks and benefits. We feature winners across seven categories, including vacation and time off, work flexibility, and more, showcasing businesses of all sizes that are leading the charge in employee care.
Read on to explore the winners in the health and wellness category, and discover how companies are prioritizing their employees' mental, emotional, and physical well-being in 2024.
Small & Medium Companies
Health-E Commerce
Who they are: They are a health-tech company who believes in untangling and simplifying the health and wellness benefits marketplace through consumer-directed healthcare, corporate wellness, and Medicare Advantage users.
What employees are saying: “Our gym reimbursement program directly supports my ability to work out at home and additionally, our partnership with BetterHelp to offer free therapy has been a weight lifted.”
GameChanger
Who they are: This technology company is a top sports app that delivers live video streaming, scorekeeping, and team communication tools to youth sports teams across the nation.
What employees are saying: “GameChanger just released new wellness and lifestyle programs that I'm really excited to use so that I can get into a gym or order in dinner for my family on a busy day. There are so many options available to help me with work-life balance so I can't wait to use these programs.”
Upside
Who they are: Upside is a retail technology company that provides purchasing power to consumers and incremental profit to businesses.
What employees are saying: “Upside emphasizes health and wellness with unlimited PTO, ClassPass, Carrot Fertility, Milk Stork, Modern Health Therapy & Coaching, Talkspace through Cigna, competitive medical/dental/vision plans, and remote and hybrid work-life.”
Advia Credit Union
Who they are: Advia Credit Union offers easy-access financial solutions to nearly 200,000 members
What employees are saying: “I love the monthly wellness challenges. I have won money/prizes for both winning a challenge, and for being a random drawing winner. The changing focus helps keep variety in my fitness goals.”
Trupanion
Who they are: Trupanion is an innovative insurance provider that helps cats & dogs across the world receive the best medical care.
What employees are saying: “Employers' health premiums are completely paid for, and our plan is fantastic. They've also added coverage for gender-affirming care, weight management services, and family planning.”
Arcadia
Who they are: We enable organizations to advance global health outcomes by harnessing and actioning the data that drives strategic growth and financial success.
What employees are saying: “Arcadia truly cares about employees' wellness - both physical and mental health. We have an flexible time off policy that allows us to take time when we need it. I have regular appointments for my health and Arcadia pays me for that time. They even send flowers and gifts for special occasions and losses in the family (even for our furry family members). I've never felt so supported in a company before.”
Cornerstone OnDemand
Who they are: Cornerstone started with a simple (but bold) idea—to improve access to education on a global basis through online learning.
What employees are saying: “Whether it’s mental, spiritual or physical health and safety, Cornerstone is there. They offer wellness days and provide reimbursement when employees are impacted or displaced by storms and regional challenges.”
Large Companies
Autodesk
Who they are: Autodesk is a global leader in software for designers, engineers, builders, and creators, endeavoring to empower customers with the technology to create the world around us.
What employees are saying: “In my 20-year career spanning multiple countries and numerous organizations, Autodesk stands out for its exceptional employee wellness program. The beauty of the program lies in its flexibility, empowering employees to choose their own focus areas for wellness and providing support throughout the year. In addition to this personalized approach, Autodesk also covers annual health check-ups for all employees.”
Diageo
Who they are: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer.
What employees are saying: “The EAP mental health benefit which offers 10 free sessions of therapy services has been such a value-added benefit for my life.”
Palo Alto Networks
Who they are: Palo Alto Networks provides robust, innovative protection against cyberattacks.
What employees are saying: “We have the best gym filled with new equipment and free instructed classes everyday. I go almost daily to stay physically healthy and mentally sharp. There's optional massages and personal training. We are also supported in mental health with Modern Health options like coaching and therapy.”
Eaton
Who they are: Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere.
What employees are saying: “Eaton's view on health and wellness isn't just the physical aspect... it's mental, behavioral, financial, and much more. I joined the mental health champions group and was provided with ample tools, discussion groups, tricks, and help on how to both help myself, and others around me. They've put in numerous competitions to get people moving, checking their health, and working to be better people overall!”
Mastercard
Who they are: They are a global technology company in the payments industry, working toward making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible.
What employees are saying: “[Mastercard offers a] $500 Personal Spending Account to expense gym membership, fitness classes, education and also cultural events and experiences (museums, concerts). Great benefit to prioritize feeling good without paying out of pocket.”
GE Vernova
Who they are: GE Vernova's portfolio of energy businesses are leading and accelerating a new era of more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
What employees are saying: “Our company provides services through Grokker. They regularly coach and provide seminars to employees on mental health and overall well-being. They helped me when a death in my family hit me harder than I expected.”