Inclusively, whose data and analytics platform provides real-time visibility into employee needs to guide HR investment decisions, has released findings from its Q2 report. The report, which polled nearly 1,000 employees across various industries and work arrangements, reveals critical employee “signals” that need to direct HR’s budget planning for next year. The findings offer a rare look into what employees want the most—thereby shaping an impactful approach to workforce planning.
“Too many HR budgets still reflect outdated assumptions about what employees need,” says Charlotte Dales, co-founder and CEO of Inclusively. “Our research gives leaders detailed insights into the ‘why’ employees need flexible work, mental health resources, and accommodations. Companies that align next year’s investments to these realities will be the ones that win talent, loyalty, and engagement in 2026.”
The survey also captured over 1,900 unique, employee-submitted responses—what Inclusively calls signals—to uncover the most pressing needs of responses. These include:
- flexible work (461 queries);
- mental health support (324 queries);
- health and accessibility (229 queries); and
- caregiver support (211 queries).
“What makes this research particularly valuable is that it goes beyond asking employees how they feel. We asked them what they need,” Dales adds. “These day-to-day barriers are keeping people from doing their best work. When HR leaders are ready to improve performance, this is where they need to start.”
The research also reveals that 58% have paid out-of-pocket for tools or services they wish their employer provided, 44% of respondents stated that personal needs significantly impact their productivity, and employees ranked productivity tools and mental health support as their most valuable potential investments.
