GBS National - WFTR Financial Benchmark

Financial stress, retirement readiness and financial confidence: 5 trends employers are watching

Financial stress increasingly influences mental health, healthcare decisions and overall wellbeing. As a result, employers are taking a more integrated approach to financial benefits strategy that connects retirement plan design, financial support and technology with workforce wellbeing.

Gallagher's 2026 Financial Benchmarks report provides data and benchmarks from 3,717 U.S. organizations, helping employers understand how their retirement and financial wellbeing strategies compare to peers and where opportunities may exist to better support employees. 

The report can help you:

·  Support Retirement Readiness: Learn how employers are using plan design features like auto-enrollment, auto-escalation and contribution strategies to help employees save more.

·  Scale Personalized Financial Support: Discover how organizations are leveraging managed accounts, digital tools and AI-enabled solutions to deliver targeted financial guidance.

·  Support Financial Wellbeing: Benchmark strategies that help employees navigate financial stress, make informed decisions and improve confidence in their financial future.

·  Optimize Use of Financial Benefits: Explore how employers are helping employees better understand and utilize HSAs, FSAs, tuition assistance and other financial support programs.

·  Support Financial Resilience: Identify opportunities to address emergency savings gaps, education debt and retirement planning challenges that impact workforce wellbeing.