U.S. workers are healthier, but less financially secure, WTW research finds
Key Highlights
- ➤Financial security fell to 36% from 46% in 2019, a seven-year low
- ➤Physical thriving rose to 64% from 54% in 2019
- ➤Employees in their 40s had just 30% financial security, versus 50% aged 60-plus
- ➤High financial distress doubled burnout to 46% versus 21% among low-distress employees
- ➤Healthcare costs blocked retirement saving for 47% of U.S. employees
Expert Statements
Courtney Stubblefield, Strategy & Specialty Leader, Health & Benefits, WTW
“What stands out is how opposite financial security moved to everything else”
Courtney Stubblefield, Strategy & Specialty Leader, Health & Benefits, WTW
“Employees report being healthier, steadier and less isolated than they were in 2019. Money is the one place that progress did not follow, and it is the area employees now tell us they need the most help with. A competitive benefits program can no longer simply offer more; it must create greater security where employees feel the most pressure.”
Courtney Stubblefield, Strategy & Specialty Leader, Health & Benefits, WTW
“Employees should not have to choose between getting care today and being secure tomorrow, yet many are making that tradeoff”
Courtney Stubblefield, Strategy & Specialty Leader, Health & Benefits, WTW
“Financial wellbeing is not a standalone program off to the side. Benefits must be designed to reduce the toll financial distress takes on absence, health outcomes and retirement readiness.”
Beth Ashmore, Managing Director, Retirement, WTW
“Retirement confidence is being influenced by what is happening in employees’ finances right now as they know they are increasingly responsible to manage their financial security in retirement”
Beth Ashmore, Managing Director, Retirement, WTW
“Employees are open to support from their employers, both for help around how to save for retirement, but also as they are making their plans for retirement. Employers today need to leverage the value of their investment in retirement plans by focusing on support their plans can provide employees transitioning to retirement.”
NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. employees say they are in better physical health, handle stress better and feel less isolated than they did before the pandemic in 2019. Their sense of financial security has gone the opposite direction, according to the 2026 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey (GBAS) from WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company.
Since 2019, the share of U.S. employees who report they are physically thriving has risen from 54% to 64%. Those who report they are emotionally balanced rose from 46% to 50%, and those who are socially connected from 41% to 43%. Financial security fell from 46% to 36%, its lowest level in seven years.
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