What employers really think about financial wellness benefits
New NYL GBS survey results reveal shifting priorities—and where opportunities lie
Financial wellness programs have often been discussed as a “nice to have” in the benefits space. But new insights from our recent survey1 suggest they’re quickly becoming a business priority.
We surveyed a broad range of national clients—across 20 industries, from small businesses to large institutions—to better understand how employers are approaching financial wellness, which tools they value most, and how they’re listening to employees to shape smarter benefit strategies.
What the numbers say
- 46% of employers currently do not offer a financial wellness program.
- But 80% say they’re interested in continuing or starting one in the near future.
Top 5 most valued financial wellness solutions:
- Financial advice and guidance
- Financial education seminars
- Mental health and mindfulness support
- Caregiving support
- Emergency savings programs
How employers prefer to engage employees
While digital tools are important, the human touch still matters.
Most preferred engagement channels:
- Digital platforms
- Virtual webinars
- Live access to financial professionals
Listening more, customizing better
With one-size-fits-all benefits not always meeting employee needs, more employers are turning to listening strategies to tailor their offerings.
- 35% conduct employee feedback surveys annually
- 37% survey at least quarterly
- 17% still don’t survey at all
Top listening topics include:
- Workplace culture & engagement
- Work-life balance
- Career growth
- Manager effectiveness
- Recognition & appreciation
Why it all matters
Financial stress doesn’t just stay at home—it can also show up at work.
Employees who feel financially secure tend to be more focused, more productive, and less likely to leave. With programs like Balance Wellbeing with New York Life® —offering financial education, access to financial professionals, and tools for saving and planning—organizations can strengthen their benefits and build a culture of support and well-being.
12025 New York Life Group Benefit Solutions, Workplace Wellness Survey
New York Life Group Benefit Solutions products and services are provided by Life Insurance Company of North America, New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY, and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance Company.
Balance Wellbeing with New York Life is currently available as a workplace benefit through participating employers. Balance Wellbeing is brought to you by New York Life Insurance Company. The information provided on BalanceWellbeing.com is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as tax, legal, investment, or retirement advice and is not intended to market or sell any specific product. It may not be relied on for the purpose of avoiding any state, federal, or other taxes. Neither New York Life Insurance Company nor its agents provide tax, legal, or financial accounting advice. Please consult your own tax, legal, or accounting professional before making any decisions. While the content is derived from sources believed to be accurate, we do not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Neither the information presented, nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
Participation in any Balance Wellbeing service is optional at no cost, and access is not conditioned on the purchase of insurance, retirement, investment products and services from New York Life Insurance Company. You have a choice to engage with New York Life Insurance Company agents for financial guidance and to purchase insurance and other products and services. If you choose to do so, those engagements will be governed by the particular applicable terms and conditions.
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SMRU 8102993 exp 7/1/2028