Morgan Stanley Study Finds 79% of Employees Want More Help With Workplace Financial Benefits
Updated
Updated · The 401(k) Specialist · May 18
Morgan Stanley Study Finds 79% of Employees Want More Help With Workplace Financial Benefits
2 articles · Updated · The 401(k) Specialist · May 18
79% of employees said their company needs to do a better job helping them maximize workplace financial benefits, according to Morgan Stanley at Work’s 2026 survey of 1,000 U.S. workers and 600 HR leaders.
56% said financial stress hurts their work, while 61% are cutting contributions to workplace benefits because of inflation and recession concerns, helping explain demand for more planning guidance.
Retirement support stood out as a hiring and retention lever: 95% said professional retirement-planning help matters when choosing an employer, and 51% called it a top or high priority.
Equity compensation also ranked highly, with 75% of employees and 85% of HR leaders calling it the best tool to motivate workers; 48% of eligible employees still want more help using it.
The findings suggest employers see financial benefits as a talent strategy for 2026, with 65% of HR executives naming hiring and retention their top strategic financial priority.
With financial stress costing businesses billions, why do so few companies offer the wellness programs employees demand?
Will personalized financial planning soon become as standard in a job offer as health insurance or a 401(k)?
Is employer financial aid a true solution or a band-aid for stagnant wages and rising living costs?
Financial Wellness at Work: Key Insights from Morgan Stanley’s 2026 Report on Retention, Retirement, and AI Innovation
Overview
Driven by evolving employee expectations and the need to attract and retain top talent, the employee benefits landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Morgan Stanley’s 2026 study highlights that, in a time of economic uncertainty, comprehensive financial support is now essential for both individual financial security and business stability. Retirement planning stands out as a key factor in how employees assess workplace benefits, emphasizing the importance of holistic financial wellness offerings. As companies respond to these changes, enhancing financial benefits becomes a powerful strategy for supporting employees and strengthening organizational resilience.