What if your benefits program could do more than just check boxes? What if it could protect a family from unexpected medical bills, help a new parent navigate estate planning, or guide a first-time homebuyer across the finish line?

That’s exactly the conversation we’ve been having this summer during our Employee Benefits Employer Roundtables.

As HR leaders and employers look ahead to renewal season and beyond, one thing is clear: we’re entering a new era of workplace support—one that’s more personal, flexible, and human. I’ve spent the last few months connecting with innovators across the country who are pushing that vision forward. And their ideas? They’re worth sharing.

Here are six benefit solutions that sparked attention—not just for their novelty, but for their potential to make a real impact on employees’ lives.

Emergency Medical Transport: Closing a Hidden Gap

Imagine this: you’re in a crisis, you call 911—and then you hesitate to get in the ambulance because you’re afraid of the bill.

Sadly, that’s the reality for 1 in 4 Americans. That’s why MASA, a medical transport membership, exists. It covers the full cost of ground and air ambulance rides, whether they’re in or out of network, helping employees avoid surprise bills that often fall outside traditional health plans.

It’s affordable, voluntary, and offers peace of mind when it matters most. One HR leader called it “the safety net we didn’t realize we were missing.”

Lifestyle Spending Accounts: A Benefit That’s Actually Fun

Think of Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSAs) as the flexible spending account’s cooler, less complicated cousin.

Employers fund the account, and employees get to use it on whatever aligns with the company’s goals—whether that’s gym memberships, home office gear, language classes, or even fertility-related expenses.

It’s post-tax and highly customizable, which makes it especially attractive to organizations looking to support employees’ well-being without increasing taxable income. One employer we spoke with called it “the best perk we’ve added in years—and one our team actually uses.”

Reversing Chronic Conditions: Yes, Really

We all know chronic disease is one of the biggest drivers of healthcare costs. But what if we stopped just managing it—and started reversing it?

That’s the promise of Ciba Health, which uses advanced diagnostics, wearable tech, and care teams (including doctors, dietitians, and coaches) to treat the root causes of conditions like diabetes, IBS, and hypertension.

The results? 90% of patients show clinical disease reversal and 85% reduce their medication. And all of it is bundled into a predictable monthly fee. For employers seeking ROI and real health impact, this model is a game-changer.

Estate Planning for the Real World

You don’t need to be wealthy to need a will. You just need to be an adult with responsibilities.

Enter Gentreo, a digital estate planning platform that makes it easy and affordable for employees to create wills, health care proxies, power of attorney documents, and more. At just $35 – $50 per employee per year, it’s accessible, intuitive, and incredibly practical.

Even better? Employees can upload existing documents, share them securely with family members, and make updates as life changes. It’s one of those benefits that helps people sleep better at night—literally.

Helping Employees Buy Their First Home

Buying a home is a major milestone—and often one of the most stressful. That’s why First Home Partners created a benefit that guides employees through the entire process, from education and pre-approval to realtor selection and closing.

The program is offered at no cost to employers and includes bonus perks like lawnmowers and grills to help first-time buyers get settled. They’re also testing an employer-supported down payment savings account, structured like a 401(k) for homeownership.

It’s financial wellness with heart—and a creative way to attract and retain younger talent.

Fertility and Family-Building Support

Fertility is no longer a niche topic—it’s a workplace reality. And Carrot Fertility is leading the way in making inclusive, comprehensive family-building support available to all.

From IVF and egg freezing to adoption, surrogacy, and hormonal health, Carrot gives employees expert guidance, cost transparency, and clinical guardrails to ensure safe and effective care. It also integrates with existing health plans and offers employer funding options.

For companies who want to support growing families, this benefit sends a powerful message: we see you, and we’re here for you.

So, What’s the Takeaway?

These benefits aren’t just nice-to-have perks—they’re strategic, value-aligned solutions that reflect the future of work. They reduce stress. They support life transitions. They create trust.

And for employers? They’re a chance to show up differently.

In the coming months, I’ll be leading more conversations about the future of benefits—everything from funding strategies to policy updates and employee benchmarking. If you’re curious, exploring, or simply want to learn from others, I’d love to have you join us.

Let’s keep challenging the status quo—because when life disrupts work, the best employers are the ones who lean in.

If you would like more information about these solutions or to participate in our Employer Roundtable or HR Connect Peer Group, reach out today!