Employers Shift Focus from Retirement Access to Financial Outcomes
Gallagher's 2026 US Financial Benchmarks Report reveals that employers are moving beyond simply offering retirement and financial benefits toward improving actual employee outcomes. Based on data from over 3,700 organizations and the 2026 Financial Health Assessment, the report highlights a growing emphasis on plan design, guidance, and broader support to help employees make better financial decisions throughout their careers. Employers are increasingly focused on retirement readiness as only 28% of employees believe they will meet their savings goals. With SECURE 2.0 mandating auto-enrollment and auto-escalation for new plans, these features now play a key role in improving outcomes. Additionally, employers are expanding financial support beyond retirement to include health savings accounts (HSAs), tuition assistance, student loan repayment programs, and more. The report also underscores the link between financial stress and employee engagement, mental health, and healthcare decisions. Nearly half of organizations have increased their focus on financial wellbeing as a workforce priority.
Topics: employee benefits employer strategy financial wellness retirement planning