Employees may be feeling somewhat more positive about their overall wellbeing, but financial uncertainty and complicated healthcare decisions continue to create pressure, according to new research from Alight.
The 2026 Alight U.S. Employee Mindset Study, based on responses from more than 2,500 U.S. employees, found that 45% are concerned their current money and savings will not last. Healthcare is another major source of uncertainty, with 67% of employees saying they regretted a healthcare decision made during the previous year. That figure has increased by six percentage points from 2025 and nine points since 2024.
“The findings from this year’s U.S. Employee Mindset Study reinforce a simple but important truth: employees crave support that helps them lead healthier and more financially secure lives,” said Laine Thomas Conway, Engagement and Enablement Leader for Delivery at Alight. “Employers can make a meaningful difference by helping employees navigate complex decisions with greater confidence and communicating their benefits strategically. When people feel fully supported across the spectrum of benefits, they are better positioned to improve their wellbeing, strengthen their financial future and bring their best selves to work.”
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The research also links financial wellbeing with workplace outcomes. Half of employees said their finances control their lives, while 41% described themselves as financially just getting by. Employees with stronger financial wellbeing were 20 percentage points more likely to report being consistently productive. They were also less likely to be considering other job opportunities.
Healthcare access presents another concern. About 55% of employees who needed a healthcare service in the past year did not receive it, with cost and lengthy waiting periods among the leading barriers. In addition, 51% believe taking a leave of absence could hurt their career progression, while 36% said they had skipped a leave they needed.
However, employees feel increasingly comfortable with AI. 64% of people use AI at work on a weekly basis, and 65% of respondents are interested in getting personalized information from their employers related to the offered benefits.
Thus, it becomes clear that companies should do something more than offer benefits. Good communication, personal consultation, using technology, and people can help employees to be more sure about the choices and improve productivity and retention.
