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CAPTRUST Unveils Financial Wellness Insights for 2026

CAPTRUST Financial Advisors has rolled out the findings from its first-ever Financial Wellness Survey, revealing a troubling reality about financial stress in the workplace. The report, titled Silent Financial Stress in the Workplace, provides a comprehensive analysis of how financial stress affects employee well-being, and in turn, influences productivity and morale.

The survey sampled over 4,300 employees from nearly 800 organizations, uncovering that a staggering 62% of respondents are grappling with moderate to severe financial stress. This stress is not merely a personal burden; it has significant repercussions for workplace motivation. In fact, 74% of participants reported that their financial anxiety directly impacts their drive to perform at work. The implications are evident: employees frequently expressed symptoms of financial stress through anxiety, insomnia, and a noticeable decline in morale.

Interestingly, employees who utilized financial wellness resources demonstrated markedly lower levels of severe stress. They reported feeling more aligned with their financial goals. However, over half of those who sought help still felt they were off-track, underscoring the need for more personalized and effective financial support. The survey found that 40% of employees consider one-on-one financial advice the most beneficial resource in alleviating their financial concerns.

The findings of the survey offered several key insights which employers and plan sponsors can leverage to improve financial wellness among employees:

1. Desire for One-on-One Advice: An overwhelming 98% of employees indicated they would use a financial advisor at no cost if one was available, yet the actual engagement rates remain disappointingly low. This disconnect illustrates the critical need for proactive outreach and better engagement strategies by employers.

2. Impact of Career Stage: The survey highlighted that early-career employees face the highest levels of financial stress, leading to more pronounced health implications. There is a clear opportunity for tailoring financial content and support to the unique needs of employees based on their career stages and individual personas, potentially alleviating stress for various groups.

3. Mismatch Between Worries and Learning Priorities: Employees often shy away from confronting their most pressing financial issues, which they perceive as overwhelming. For instance, while emergency savings and debt management emerged as top concerns, many expressed a greater interest in learning about investments and estate planning instead.

"Financial stress is not just an individual issue; it rapidly transforms into a larger workforce challenge that can profoundly affect an organization’s bottom line if not addressed," commented Christopher Whitlow, Senior Director and Head of CAPTRUST at Work. He emphasized that financial difficulties hinder employees' ability to concentrate and perform their jobs effectively. Thus, employers who proactively invest in comprehensive financial wellness programs can bolster employee confidence, improve retention rates, and cultivate a more resilient and motivated workforce.

In light of these findings, CAPTRUST recommends that employers take three pivotal actions:

• - Personalize their financial wellness offerings.
• - Provide access to independent, one-on-one financial advice.
• - Continuously measure and address the gaps between resource availability and employee utilization.

The CAPTRUST at Work program collaborates with employers and retirement plan sponsors to establish all-encompassing financial wellness solutions for their employees. This initiative equips staff with tailored financial guidance, educational resources, and actionable strategies designed to align with their unique circumstances and objectives. By merging retirement planning with broader financial advice, CAPTRUST at Work empowers individuals to make knowledgeable choices concerning their saving, investing, and financial management.

To explore the complete report and actionable insights, please visit the CAPTRUST resource page.

About CAPTRUST

CAPTRUST is dedicated to offering independent, client-centered financial advice and investment management services. The firm serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, endowments, foundations, nonprofits, and retirement plan sponsors, focusing on holistic financial planning and wealth management. CAPTRUST also provides outsourced chief investment officer (OCIO) services, fiduciary support, and other financial wellness programs tailored for institutions.