Pay and Job Security Take Precedence for Workers as 2026 Approaches

As we look ahead to 2026, a recently released survey by Resume.org, a leader in resume-building platforms, highlights the key concerns of American employees. Conducted in November 2025, the survey gathered insights from 1,200 full-time workers across the United States. The results clearly indicate that the issues of pay, job security, and work-life balance are paramount for workers entering the new year.

Salary Triumphs as the Top Priority

According to the survey, compensation is undoubtedly the foremost concern for workers. Only 20% of those surveyed reported being very satisfied with their pay, while 48% claimed satisfaction. Conversely, more than one-third of respondents expressed dissatisfaction regarding their earnings. This discontent aligns with today's rising cost of living and the increasing demand for fair compensation across various industries.

Kara Dennison, Resume.org's Head of Career Advising, emphasized, "It's no surprise that pay, job security, and work-life balance are most important to workers in 2026. These priorities reflect what people need to feel stable, valued, and able to plan their lives."

Job Security: A Growing Concern

Following pay, job security stands as the second most significant factor for workers. The survey revealed that only 30% of participants felt secure in their current jobs, while 40% experienced a moderate sense of security. Alarmingly, 11% expressed a feeling of vulnerability regarding their employment stability. This concern may be attributed to the ongoing shifts in the job market, with many industries undergoing transformations post-pandemic.

Work-Life Balance: Striking Harmony

Next in line is the critical issue of work-life balance. The survey uncovered that 21% of workers rated their balance as excellent, while 46% categorized it as good. However, roughly one-third described their work-life balance as fair, poor, or very poor. This dissatisfaction points to the challenges many face in integrating personal lives with professional commitments, particularly in an era where remote work options are increasingly explored.

Benefits and Advancement Opportunities

The survey also highlighted several benefits that many employees feel are lacking. Nearly half of the respondents commented on the high costs of health insurance, with 4% lacking any coverage at all. Retirement benefits also elicited critical feedback, with over a third describing them as average or below average. Although satisfaction with paid time off (PTO) is relatively stronger, over 10% of workers feel their PTO is insufficient.

Additionally, nearly 25% of participants acknowledged that opportunities for career advancement are either unclear or entirely lacking. The disparity in career paths often leads to frustration among employees, as potential growth is a core component of job satisfaction.

Generational Perspectives on Priorities

Generational differences in prioritizing workplace factors are notable. Older generations, including Baby Boomers and Gen X, tend to focus more on affordable health insurance and retirement benefits. In contrast, younger generations such as Millennials and Gen Z exhibit a preference for professional development and clear advancement opportunities. These variations stem from differing life experiences and career expectations.

Furthermore, Dennison notes that women often prioritize work-life balance, supportive management, and PTO due to caregiving responsibilities. In contrast, Gen Z and Millennials concentrate more on growth and flexibility in the workplace.

The Job Market: An Opportunity for Change

With a significant number of workers dissatisfied with their current roles, many are contemplating changes in the upcoming year. The survey revealed that 18% of respondents are very likely to seek new job opportunities in 2026, while an additional 23% indicated they are somewhat likely to do so. Interest in job changes is particularly pronounced among younger generations, with 57% of Gen Z and 45% of Millennials showing eagerness to explore new career paths, compared to only 29% of Gen X and 20% of Boomers.

In conclusion, as we approach 2026, understanding the priorities of U.S. workers is crucial for employers looking to retain talent and foster a healthy work environment. Pay, job security, and work-life balance will shape the job market in the coming year, urging organizations to create strategies that meet the evolving needs of their employees.

For further details on the survey and its findings, visit Resume.org's official report.