Financial stress remains high among U.S. workers, according to research from The Hartford, a leading provider of employee benefits and workers’ compensation.
“As financial concerns continue to weigh on U.S. workers, it’s clear that workplace benefits are more than just a perk, they’re a meaningful source of financial support and well-being,” says Mike Fish, head of employee benefits at The Hartford. “Employers can help the workforce navigate through uncertainty by ensuring they have access to benefits and the education needed to fully understand and utilize them. Employers and insurers have an opportunity to help their workers take control of their financial future with confidence.”
The study, which polled workers and HR professionals, finds that most employees (72%) are at least somewhat stressed about their household finances, with 33% reporting they are very or extremely stressed. This is consistent with last year’s findings, in which 72% were at least somewhat stressed and 34% were very stressed. Other key findings include the following.
- Half of U.S. workers (51%) report living paycheck to paycheck.
- Over half (53%) of workers say their savings have decreased in the last 12 months.
- More than half (56%) of U.S. workers report their financial health is negatively impacting their workplace productivity.
Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty, U.S workers are turning to their employers for support. The study reveals workplace benefits play a critical role in helping U.S. workers protect their finances, with most employers (80%) and workers (62%) recognizing the essential role benefits have in making them feel more financially secure. At the same time, a significant majority of employers (75%) say the benefits they offer are underutilized, creating an opportunity to educate employees about how employee benefits can provide additional financial security. Employers are adding to the benefits they offer to support their workers – 34% added benefits in 2025 and 53% plan to add benefits in 2026. While employer-provided benefits are key to improving financial well-being and overall job satisfaction, confusion remains a barrier.
“To bridge this gap, employers have an opportunity to be proactive in educating and engaging their employees to ensure they have access to the necessary resources and feel confident using them,” Fish says. “This requires a strategic shift – moving beyond enrollment periods and adopting a year-round approach to communication, personalized guidance, and digital tools that enhance accessibility.”
Benefits are also an important factor for job seekers. According to the study, 82% of U.S. workers say benefits are a key consideration when searching for a new job, and 58% would consider switching jobs for a more comprehensive benefits package.
Technology and AI-driven solutions have emerged as potential game-changers, providing personalized benefit recommendations and streamlined decision-making. However, there is a gap between employer and U.S. workers’ feelings about AI in the workplace – 72% of employers feel more optimistic this year than they did in 2024 about the use of AI in the workplace, and only 29% of employees say they are more optimistic. Addressing this disparity will require employers to be transparent and ensure that digital enhancements feel intuitive, reliable, and truly beneficial to employees.
Although technology continues to enhance the overall benefits experience, when it comes to completing certain benefits-related tasks, workers continue to prefer working with a person. These tasks include:
- requesting a leave of absence (58%);
- learning about benefits during open enrollment (48%); and
- selecting benefits during open enrollment (47%).
