Workplace benefits have evolved dramatically since Caesar Augustus extended a pension to retiring legionnaires, a lump sum equal to 13 times their salaries, to prevent rebellion. The next major employer-sponsored benefits advance came when the Bank of England launched a pioneering private-sector pension plan in 1739.

From that point forward, benefits have progressed somewhat rapidly. As trade and labor unions took hold in the 1800s throughout Europe and the U.S., companies were held increasingly responsible for working conditions and workforce health and welfare on and off the job.

Changing dynamics

Employers traditionally have been in control of worker positions, salaries, and when, where, and how long they worked as financial obligations kept employees in place even when dissatisfied. American adults typically work for more than 40 years, and at one time, many were employed by the same company for their entire careers. However, the average adult now works 12 different jobs over their lifetime.