The top personal and financial concerns of American workers vary, depending on the stage of their career. Those just entering the workforce have considerably different needs from those nearing retirement. Workplace benefit offerings and communications that are tailored to an individual's work stage can help an employee make the best decisions for his or her personal situation and enhance how much workers value their benefits.

Employees just beginning their careers (those within the first five years of employment) are predominantly focused on immediate financial needs. According to the third annual Guardian Workplace Benefits study, 92 percent said that making ends meet was a top concern. Other priorities included having job security (88 percent), achieving a better work-life balance (85 percent) and reducing debt (79 percent).

The concerns for near-retirees (those within five years of retirement) focus more on their futures. Top priorities included having adequate health insurance (94 percent), accumulating sufficient retirement savings (93 percent) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (90 percent).