The Hartford’s Future of Benefits Study

72%

of workers are financially stressed.

36%

of workers are confused about how their benefits work together.

72%

of employers are more optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI).

Strengthen Financial Well-Being Through Smarter Benefits

Access to holistic benefits offers a critical financial safety net for employees.

Empower Employees Through Proactive Benefits Education

Proactively engaging and educating employees about benefits can drive better understanding and usage.

Bridge the Gap With Thoughtful Technology Integration

Technology like AI is a potential workplace game changer, but employees remain skeptical.

Smaller Business, Bigger Squeeze

Small and midsize businesses are facing even greater economic stress than larger firms, and their employees are feeling the pinch, too.

Benefits could help mitigate some of the financial stress, yet 74% of small and midsize employers say workers underutilize the services, benefits and programs available to them.

Of the employees we surveyed:

18%

of workers at smaller firms

say their financial situation has improved from last year.

29%

of workers at larger firms

say their financial situation has improved from last year.

“AI can sometimes help, but a personal touch is preferred.”

Employer, Non-Profit

“What keeps me up at night is the uncertainty in the market and how quickly things can change.”

Employee, Retail and Wholesale

“Explaining benefits in a way employees understand, that’s the challenge.”

Employer, Technology

About the Study

The Hartford’s 2025 Future of Benefits Study includes insights from 701 employers and 1,000 U.S. workers. The employers surveyed were HR professionals who manage/decide employee benefits, and U.S. workers surveyed were actively employed. The margin of error for employer responses is +/- 3% and for U.S. workers is +/-3% at a 95% confidence level.