Employee expectations around financial security are evolving. It’s no longer enough for organizations to offer traditional benefits like equitable compensation, health insurance, and 401(k) plans. As workers look for deeper protection and long-term stability, estate planning has quickly emerged as one of the most in-demand benefits employers can provide.
In fact, 96% of Americans agree that having a will is important, yet most don’t have one in place. This gap represents a major opportunity for employers to support financial wellness in a way that is both meaningful and surprisingly easy to implement.
The Third Leg of the Financial Wellness Stool
Most employers already invest in two foundational elements of financial well-being:
1. Retirement planning, through 401(k)s and pension support
2. Financial protection, through various forms of insurance
But in many workplaces, the third essential pillar, estate planning, remains missing. By offering legal plan benefits that include estate planning tools such as wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives, employers can help employees protect their assets, ensure their wishes are honored, and give their families peace of mind. Together, these three benefits form a fully rounded approach to financial wellness that meets employees where they are today.
A High-Value Benefit With a Light Lift for Employers
One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning benefits is that they create additional administrative burden for HR and benefits teams. In reality, modern legal plan providers make the process incredibly turnkey. They handle:
- All legal expertise
- Employee onboarding and education
- Document preparation and attorney access
- Ongoing support and updates
That means HR leaders don’t have to wrestle with complex paperwork, manage legal compliance, or become estate planning experts. Instead, they can offer a high-impact benefit with minimal overhead.
More Than Estate Planning: A Versatile Tool for Real-Life Needs
While estate planning is often the headline feature, legal plan benefits go well beyond drafting wills. They can support employees through a wide range of life situations and challenges, including:
- Debt collection assistance
- Housing and landlord-tenant issues
- Caregiving and eldercare legal needs
- Family law questions
- Consumer protection issues
- Legal guidance for major purchases
- Financial literacy education for younger employees
This added versatility makes legal plans a strategic benefit that helps employees navigate life’s complexities, not just end-of-life planning.
A Modern Solution for a Modern Workforce
As financial wellness continues to be a top priority for employees, estate planning and legal benefits are rapidly shifting from “nice-to-have” to “expected.” Employers who embrace this expanded approach can differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market, improve workforce well-being, and offer a benefit that supports employees at every stage of life.
By viewing legal plan offerings as a natural complement to their benefits portfolio, employers can fill a critical gap, one that helps employees protect what they’re building today while preparing for tomorrow.