Employee Benefits in India: Guide to Perks & Top Providers [2025]

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Did you know that 61% of Indian employees say they would prefer better benefits over a higher salary? This is based on a recent survey by Marsh India, showing how workers today are thinking beyond just pay. Health insurance, mental wellness programs, flexible working hours, and family support are becoming more important than ever.

The job market in India is changing fast. Companies that offer strong employee benefits are not only attracting skilled talent, but also keeping their teams happy and loyal. In a world where everyone is trying to hire the best people, benefits have become a key advantage.

In this blog, we’ll look at how employee benefits in India are helping companies stay ahead in the race for talent.

What are Employee Benefits?

Employee benefits are any perks or advantages that an employee receives as part of their job. They can be financial, like a 401k plan or health insurance, or they can be non-financial, like paid vacation days or flexible working hours. Employee benefits are often used as a way to attract and retain talent, since they make the job more attractive.

What are the Top Employee Benefits offered in India?

In India, employee benefits are divided into mandatory benefits, which are required by law, and additional perks that employers may offer to attract and retain talent. Here’s an overview of both:

Mandatory Employee Benefits

  • Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF): A retirement savings scheme where both employer and employee contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and dearness allowance.

  • Employees’ State Insurance (ESI): Provides medical and cash benefits to employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month. Employers contribute 3.25% and employees contribute 0.75% of wages.

  • Gratuity: A lump sum payment to employees who have completed at least five years of continuous service, calculated as 15 days’ wages for each completed year of service.

  • Maternity Benefit: Female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for the first two children and 12 weeks for subsequent children.

  • Statutory Leave: Includes earned leave, sick leave, and casual leave, with specifics varying by state and company policy.

  • Bonus: Under the Payment of Bonus Act, eligible employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month are entitled to an annual bonus ranging from 8.33% to 20% of their salary.

Additional (Optional) Employee Benefits

  • Health Insurance: Many employers offer private health insurance plans covering employees and their families, supplementing the ESI scheme.
  • Life and Accident Insurance: Supplemental life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance plans provide financial security to employees and their dependents.

  • Paternity Leave: While not mandated by law, some companies offer paternity leave, typically ranging from two to three weeks of paid leave.

  • Flexible Work Arrangements: Post-pandemic, flexible working hours and remote work options have become increasingly common to support work-life balance.

  • Work-from-Home Support: Employers may provide stipends for internet, office furniture, or utilities to enhance productivity while working remotely.

  • Wellness Programs: Initiatives like gym memberships, wellness workshops, and mental health support aim to boost employee well-being.

  • Performance Bonuses: Additional financial incentives based on individual or company performance to motivate and reward employees.

  • Education and Training Allowances: Support for professional development through tuition reimbursement or training programs.

  • Meal and Transportation Allowances: Some employers provide meal vouchers or transportation subsidies to assist with daily expenses.

Why companies in India offer employee benefits?

There are many reasons why companies in India offer employee benefits. In a highly competitive labor market, employee benefits can be a key differentiator for companies. By offering employee benefits, companies can show that they value their employees and are committed to providing them with a good work-life balance. Reasons why companies in India offer employee benefits include:

  • To Attract and Retain Talent: In a highly competitive labor market, employee benefits can be a key differentiator for companies. By offering employee benefits, companies can show that they value their employees and are committed to providing them with a good work-life balance.
  • To Improve Employee Morale and Motivation: Employee benefits can help to improve employee morale and motivation by demonstrating that the company cares about its employees’ well-being.
  • To Reduce Employee Turnover: Employee benefits can also help to reduce employee turnover by making employees feel more valued and appreciated.
  • To Comply with Laws and Regulations: In India, there are a number of laws and regulations that require companies to provide employee benefits, such as the Employees’ Provident Fund Act and the Employees’ State Insurance Act.
  • To Stay Competitive: Many companies in India offer employee benefits in order to stay competitive with other companies. By offering employee benefits, companies can show that they are committed to providing their employees with a good work-life balance.

Top Employee Benefits Providers in India

Top Employee Benefits Providers in India

MantraCare is a leading provider of employee benefits provider in India. They offer multiple employee benefits programs for employees such as EAP, Corporate Yoga, Physical therapy, chronic condition reversal (for Diabetes & Hypertension), meditation, work counseling & more.

Aon Hewitt is one of the largest employee benefits providers in India. They offer a wide range of services, including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement planning.

Willis Towers Watson is a global risk management, insurance brokerage, and employee benefits firm. In India, they offer a range of employee benefits services, including health insurance, life insurance, and retirement planning.

Cost of Employee Benefits Program in India

The cost of an Employee benefits will vary depending on the provider, the size of the company, and the services offered.

Employee benefits programs can be very costly. In India, the cost of these programs can be upwards of $1,000 per employee per year. This cost can add up quickly for companies with large numbers of employees. While these programs can be beneficial for employees, they can also be a large financial burden for companies.

MantraCare is one of the most cost-effective employee benefits provider with plans starting at $3 per employee.

Ready to Transform Your Workplace? Let’s Talk

Your competitors are already offering better benefits. Now it’s your turn to change your work environment and retain the top talents.

Whether you’re a local business or a global company in India, now is the time to invest in the right employee benefits — and for that, we’re here to help. At MantraCare we’ll help you design a customized benefits plan that fits your team and your budget. Let’s build a healthier, happier workforce — together.

Try MantraCare Wellness Program free

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