In these times of economic uncertainty, it’s no surprise that a new study finds financial stress remains high among U.S. workers. But, increasingly, they are relying on their employers for support.
“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 wellbeing,” Mike Fish, head of Employee Benefits at The Hartford, a leading provider of employee benefits and workers’ compensation, said in a statement. “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 Hartford’s latest research, based on recent surveys of 1,000 actively employed workers and more than 700 human resources professionals, appears in the company’s sixth annual “Future of Benefits Study” — which presents employers’ and employees’ perspectives on personal finances, artificial intelligence and technology trends, workplace benefits, and other factors influencing today’s fast-changing business landscape.
Nearly three-quarters (72%) of employees say they are at least somewhat stressed about their household finances, with one-third (33%) reporting they are very/extremely stressed. This is consistent with The Hartford’s findings last year, when 72% were at least somewhat stressed and 34% were very/extremely stressed.
Other key findings in the new study include:
- Half of U.S. workers (51%) report they are living paycheck to paycheck.
- More than half (53%) say their savings have decreased in the past 12 months.
- More than half (56%) claim their financial health is negatively impacting their workplace productivity.
Focus on value of employee benefits
Amidst a backdrop of economic uncertainty, the study reveals workplace benefits are vital 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%, for example, added benefits in 2025, and 53% plan to add benefits in 2026.
But while employer-provided benefits are key to improving financial wellbeing and overall job satisfaction, confusion remains a barrier, according to Fish.
“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,” he said. “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.”
At the same time, technology and AI-driven solutions have emerged as potential game changers, providing personalized benefit recommendations and streamlined decision-making. However, according to the study, there is a gap between employer and U.S. workers’ feelings about AI in the workplace. Nearly three-quarters of employers (72%) feel more optimistic this year than they did in 2024 about the use of AI in the workplace, yet only 29% of employees say they are more optimistic. Addressing this disparity, officials at The Hartford say, will require employers to be transparent and ensure that digital enhancements feel intuitive, reliable, and truly beneficial to employees.
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