The workforce's youngest employees have taken a more proactive role in researching benefits that offer financial protection over the last two years, according to online studies by Harris Interactive on behalf of Unum.

"Members of this generation are entering the workforce and building careers during a time of economic uncertainty and intense debate over health care reform," says Barbara Nash, vice president of corporate research for Unum. "They're clearly taking an increased interest in how they can build and protect their financial lives."

Based on the studies, which took place in August 2008 and August 2010, 44 percent of young employees said they are extremely or very familiar with life insurance, an increase from 31 percent, while 43 percent said they are extremely or very familiar with retirement accounts, also a jump from 31 percent. Twenty-four percent of young employees said they are extremely or very familiar with disability insurance increased, up from 16 percent.