What happens when employee wellbeing moves beyond perks and benefits to become a core pillar of workplace culture? In this episode of The Future of Less Work, host Nirit Cohen sits down with Anthony Knierim, Managing Director, Americas at Reward Gateway | Edenred, to explore how the landscape of wellbeing is evolving—and why it’s no longer just about healthcare or gym memberships. Together, they dive into how shifting workforce demographics, shorter employee lifecycles, and the rise of the independent workforce are transforming what organizations need to offer, emphasizing the shift from traditional perks to a more integrated approach that focuses on culture and individual accountability. The conversation highlights the changing incentives for employers, the importance of personalization in benefits, and the role of CFOs in managing costs while enhancing employee engagement. The discussion also touches on the consumerization of health and wellness, the impact of demographic shifts, and the future of work in relation to employee expectations and choices.

If you’re rethinking how to support your team in a rapidly changing work environment, this episode is essential.

Want to dive deeper into this topic? Read Nirit's Forbes article, "The Death Of Traditional Employee Benefits—And What Comes Next", to explore these ideas further.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb0nwcTPSQU

Guest Information:

Anthony Knierim, Managing Director, Americas at Reward Gateway | Edenred.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonyknierim/

Chapters:

00:00 - Do Employers Really Know What’s Best for Their People?
01:30 - Meet Anthony Knierim
04:25 - How Has Employee Wellbeing Evolved Over Time?
06:28 - Employers Must Rethink Preventative Health
08:09 - The Impact of Shorter Employee Lifecycles on Wellbeing
10:37 - Is the Traditional Benefits Model Still Relevant?
12:26 - How Employee Wellbeing Has Shifted14:40 - Why Flexibility & Choice Are Key to Wellbeing
17:35 - Should Employers Just Increase Pay Instead of Benefits
19:24 - How Companies Can Support Wellbeing Without Overreach
21:28 - The CFO’s Role in the Future of Wellbeing Benefits
23:51 - Will Employee Wellbeing Become More Consumer-Driven?
26:32 - What Happens When Employees Own Their Wellbeing?
29:17 - Why Personalized Benefits Matter More Than Ever
34:02 - Are We in the Middle of a Wellbeing Market Disruption?
36:10 - The Future of Wellbeing in the Workplace