Nearly three-quarters of U.S. workers are stressed about their finances, and 56% say their financial health is negatively affecting their workplace productivity, according to an Aug. 5 report from The Hartford.
As workers turn to their employers for support, benefits programs can help employees protect their finances, the report found. However, benefits aren’t always used, employers said.
“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 well-being,” Mike Fish, head of employee benefits at The Hartford, said in a press release.
“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,” Fish said. “Employers and insurers have an opportunity to help their workers take control of their financial future with confidence.”
In a survey of 1,000 workers and 701 HR pros who manage benefits programs, 80% of employers and 62% of employees said benefits play an essential role in financial security. At the same time, 75% of employers said the benefits they offer often go underutilized.
To support workers, 34% of employers said they added benefits in 2025, and 53% intend to in 2026.
Healthcare coverage, retirement and leave benefits continue to top the list of employer-provided benefit priorities for 2025, according to a survey by the Society for Human Resource Management.
In The Hartford survey, 82% of workers said benefits are a key consideration when searching for a new job, and 58% said they would consider switching jobs for more comprehensive benefits.
Although technology and artificial intelligence-related tools can aid the benefits experience, about half of workers said they still prefer working with someone when requesting a leave of absence, learning about benefits and selecting benefits during open enrollment.
As for salary budgets, most U.S. employers expect to maintain their same level 2026, with increases remaining flat at 3.5%, according to a WTW report. Companies also said they’re aiming to support workers by enhancing health and wellness benefits, improving the employee experience and increasing training opportunities.