Financial benefits are more important to new hires than they were five years ago, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch's 2012 Workplace Benefits Report.

The report, which looks at the role financial benefits play in employers' ability to attract and keep talent and employees' ability to save for their future, also found that employers are concerned about their employees' long-term financial security and that concern drives their benefit decisions.

Nine out of 10 employers surveyed said they believe financial benefits are equally or more important to potential hires today than five years ago, with half believing such benefits to be more important than ever.  Eighty percent of employees also view these benefits as a key factor when considering and accepting a new job.