Benefits forecast for 2026: Growing demand for retirement & financial well-being benefits

A tight labor market at least through year-end 2026 is likely to drive the growth of financial well-being benefits offered by employers competing for talent, according to a survey of workplace benefit professionals conducted by Transamerica.

Transamerica Prescience 2026 is a series of 10 polls and three discussion sessions being conducted over 12 months, each focusing on a particular aspect of employee benefits. The initial findings, which relate to employee financial wellness offerings, found that benefits that were unheard of just 5 years ago – such as cash assistance with the down payment toward the purchase of a first home, help with chores and adult care, and assistance with student debt – have become commonplace and employers will continue to leverage these types of benefits to attract and retain talent from a more diverse pool of employees.