Analysis of transactions in which employees made purchases at more than 65,000 vendors worldwide revealed several insights that can help employers align with both organizational and employee expectations.

• The power of flexibility. All-inclusive stipends account for 71% of company budgets. They combine categories such as health and wellness, family care and personal essentials into one flexible benefit, helping employees address both daily needs and long-term goals.
• Health and wellness still lead. Health and wellness remains a priority for employees, accounting for 18% of stipend spending. This reflects the importance of investing in employee wellbeing.
• Rise of professional development. Spending on professional development increased from 13.3% in 2023 to 15% in 2024 in the non-taxable category. This shows that companies now recognize the need for upskilling to meet evolving workplace demands, particularly in fields such as AI and technology.
• Student loan repayment gains traction. Employers recognize the burden of student debt on employees’ financial wellness. With repayment growing from 6.8% to 12% of nontaxable spending, it’s a key tool for attracting and retaining top talent.
• Regional differences in stipend funding. Stipend funding varied regionally, with the West spending $1,259 per employee and the Midwest spending $632, reflecting differing market dynamics.
• Adapting to hybrid work. Spending on remote work office equipment declined from 4% in 2023 to 3% in 2024, reflecting the ongoing shift toward hybrid models and stabilization of remote work setups. Return-to-office mandates also are heavily influencing this trend, as employers balance varying work locations.