In fact, in the 2024 ARAG Workforce Study, we surveyed 2,400 employees across multiple industries about “what kept them up at night” and found that “future uncertainties” was a top concern, second only to “financial stability.” Here are just a few of the pressure points weighing on employees:

While inflation has cooled somewhat, rent prices are forecasted to rise in 2025 and 2026, interest rates keep ticking up and housing prices are expected to increase, albeit more slowly, offering limited financial relief in the near term.
With budgets already feeling the pinch, employees and their employers continue to face higher health benefit costs, which rose by 4.5% in 2024, with an increase of 5.8% per employee predicted for this year. Some of that falls to the employee in terms of higher premiums, deductibles or co-pays, for example. While the Trump administration considers reining in health care costs a priority, it’s not yet clear how change will be effected.
Speaking of a new administration, new executive orders and policies are being introduced at a fast and furious pace — with the potential to significantly and suddenly change people’s day-to-day lives. This leaves little time for employers to assess the impact on their workforce.

Instant Insights /

5 benefits strategies for the 'big unknowns' of 2025

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