One Medical Group, a healthcare technology company that offers primary care, has shared the results of a recent nationwide survey of 1,000 full-time professionals regarding their opinions, desires, and perceptions about their companies’ employee benefits program.

The data indicates that health benefits can make a significant difference in people’s job satisfaction and may even impact their choice of jobs. The study also suggests that despite offering health insurance options, many companies still have some work to do when it comes to keeping their employees healthy and happy. The results of this survey highlight a growing trend in what employees want: better health care, not "perks."

Key survey findings include:

1. Benefits can make a big difference in people’s job satisfaction.

Almost universally, working professionals say that employee benefits have a big impact on their workplace satisfaction. 59% say that employee benefits are “very important” to how they feel about their job and their employer, and 36% say benefits are “somewhat important” to how they feel.

While benefits matter a lot for employees of all ages, they’re most important when it comes to attracting and retaining seasoned professionals. The study shows that 58% of workers who are over 60-years-old rate benefits as “very important”, as do 66% of those age 45 to 60, and 59% of 30- to 40-year-olds. Less than half (45%) of 18- to 29-year-olds rate benefits as “very important” to how they feel about their job and their employer.

Employee benefits can also make a big difference for people when they’re deciding between competing job offers, with 69% saying they might choose one job over another if it offered better employee benefits.

2. People want their employers to focus on their health.

When it comes to which types of benefits would be most valued, respondents voiced a strong preference for health benefits. In fact, two out of three professionals would rather have better health and wellness benefits than more perks.

The study also indicates that professionals want their employers to play a bigger role in their health and wellness. A majority of respondents (64%) believe that keeping them healthy should be one of the top goals of their company’s benefits program.

And yet, the data also shows that only 49% think that health is actually a top priority for their company. Many more people (66%) believe their employer is focused on managing costs.

3. Companies aren’t doing enough to keep their employees healthy.

According to the survey, many employers offer a range of different health and wellness benefits. Most companies are providing medical insurance (82%), and about half are investing in health and wellness programs. The most common programs offered include employee assistance programs (46%), on-site vaccinations (40%), fitness benefits (31%), workshops (27%), and on-site health screening (21%).

But the data also suggests that companies should carefully review which of these programs have a meaningful impact, because in spite of these programs, many professionals still believe that their employer isn’t doing enough to keep them healthy. Only about half of survey respondents (52%) say their company is making sufficient investments in their wellness and preventative care, and only 25% think their company’s health and wellness programs are actually making them healthier.

For more findings from the study, click here.