Future-proofing your workforce in an age of uncertainty

6 in 10 workers would choose long-term job security over higher pay or better benefits.

Key finding 1

Workers are choosing stability over career advancement - and it's costing them

In an uncertain economy, Americans are clinging to job security like never before. Six in ten workers would choose long-term job security over higher pay or better benefits, and nearly 30% have stopped job searching altogether in the past five years due to fear of losing security. Rather than pursuing career growth, workers are prioritizing predictable benefits and stable employment, even when it means sacrificing higher pay or better opportunities.

This shift is most pronounced among younger workers, lower-income earners, and caregivers, creating a rigid labor market where those who need mobility most are staying put out of fear rather than satisfaction.

63% of workers rarely review or change their initial retirement choices.

Key finding 3

Workers think they understand their benefits - but most regret their choices

There's a dangerous disconnect in how employees perceive their benefits literacy. While 72% say they feel confident navigating their options, 61% admit to regretting past benefits decisions. The culprit? Overly complex information and a tendency to stick with defaults rather than actively choosing what's best. Roughly seven in ten workers view retirement planning as overly complicated or time-consuming, leading most to make initial choices and rarely review them again.

And workers want help from their employers. 38% prioritize dashboards that update automatically as their circumstances change, and 36% want real-time cost projections. But they're not getting the personalized, accessible support they need to make confident decisions.