Burnout, misinformation and financial vulnerability driving critical choices across American workforce, with Gen Z at the epicenter
Key Highlights
- ➤75% of employees report workplace stress, an all-time high versus 72% in 2025
- ➤47% of Americans cannot cover $1,000 in medical-event costs
- ➤49% have delayed medical care, with 30% avoiding treatment due to cost
- ➤30% use GenAI for benefits research, rising to 37% of Gen Z and 40% of millennials
- ➤53% of Gen Z would trade salary for stronger benefits, an all-time high
Expert Statements
Matthew Owenby, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Aflac Incorporated
“The convergence of rising burnout, financial vulnerability and misconceptions about healthcare costs is creating risks for both workforce well-being and organizational resilience”
Matthew Owenby, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Aflac Incorporated
“For employers, the cost of inaction could be significant — impacting engagement, productivity and retention.”
Matthew Owenby, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Aflac Incorporated
“Employers can make a meaningful difference by helping their teams better understand their benefits and provide protection that supports their physical, mental and financial well-being.”
Matthew Owenby, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Aflac Incorporated
“Benefits remain one of the most important investments employers make, but the goalposts are shifting”
Matthew Owenby, Chief Human Resources Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of Aflac Incorporated
“Employees need more than coverage. They need financial protection that reflects real-world risks, information they can understand and guidance they can trust. The organizations that deliver all three will be better positioned to provide support, build resilience and strengthen their workforces.”
Burnout, misinformation and financial vulnerability driving critical choices across American workforce, with Gen Z at the epicenter PR Newswire
16th annual Aflac WorkForces Report(®) shows 37% of Gen Z and 40% of millennials turning to AI to learn more about benefits options
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