Employers increase ROI scrutiny as benefits face utilization and preparedness gaps

The useful part

The push to measure value is colliding with a sizable gap between how financially capable workers feel and what they actually know. While 71% felt confident creating a savings plan, only 33% demonstrated high proficiency in foundational financial knowledge, with investing, retirement planning, healthcare costs and emergency savings proving more challenging. "Our research continues to show that many workers feel confident managing everyday financial decisions, but confidence doesn't always translate into long-term preparedness.

How it works

• Eighty-five percent of workers said they worry about personal finances during the workday, spending an average of 3.5 hours a week focused on those concerns.
• Three-quarters of employers said their workers were at least somewhat prepared for retirement, compared with 45% of workers who described themselves that way.
• Concerns around the employee benefits navigation gap have highlighted how employers can spend heavily on benefits while workers struggle to understand or use what is already available.
• Only 32% of employers offer financial education benefits, while 57% of workers without access said they would use them if available.
• By aligning benefits with employees' needs and measuring outcomes, employers can help build a more financially resilient workforce," Buchanan said.

What to take from it

Report Cost-conscious employers scrutinize whether financial wellness programs are reaching workers GROUP BENEFITS By Mav Rodriguez 18 Sep 2026 Share Employers are taking a closer look at whether their benefits programs are delivering value, even as many workers remain underprepared for longer-term financial decisions. Other research suggests workers will engage when support is available. Just 10% said they felt very prepared, while 15% said they did not believe they would ever be able to afford to retire.

Example or evidence

• That cost pressure is putting more focus on whether existing benefits are actually reaching employees.
• "Employers continue to invest in benefits, but the real opportunity is helping employees understand, access and use those benefits in ways that improve financial outcomes.
• Related Stories Employee benefits literacy is the next frontier of value Financial stress traps workers in a loop.
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Details worth keeping

That lack of preparedness is already showing up at work. The disconnect becomes even clearer around retirement. Meanwhile, attracting and retaining talent fell to 19%.

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