Financial stress emerges as key drag on workforce resiliency, New York Life survey finds

Financial strain is proving to be a more significant threat to workforce stability than burnout or morale, according to a new national survey.

It found that employees rate their overall well-being at 7.5 out of 10, suggesting that many feel relatively positive in their day-to-day lives, but only 35% say they consistently feel resilient, meaning able to recover from stress, adapt to change and sustain performance over time.

The gap highlights a vulnerability that may expose employers to higher turnover, productivity losses and benefit costs, particularly during periods of economic volatility.

The New York Life survey reveals that financial pressures are the leading factor undermining both well-being and resiliency with almost half of employees citing personal financial stress as their top challenge, while 39% pointed to broader economic uncertainty.

Both ranked well ahead of burnout, which was cited by 29% of respondents, and employees also reported that financial strain spills over into the workplace, contributing to difficulty concentrating, lower job satisfaction and increased fatigue at home and on the job.

The findings reinforce the idea that financial wellness is no longer a peripheral benefit, but plays a central role in workforce resiliency and, by extension, employer risk management. Income protection, retirement readiness, emergency savings support and financial education may all influence how effectively employees can withstand and recover from unexpected life events.

While many employers have invested heavily in well-being initiatives, the survey suggests those efforts may be more effective at maintaining morale than strengthening resiliency. Sixty percent of employees rated their employer’s support for well-being as good or excellent, yet resiliency scores remain low. The disconnect implies that programs focused solely on health or engagement may fall short if they do not address financial insecurity.

“Resiliency is a critical aspect of workplace well-being,” said Scott Berlin, head of New York Life Group Insurance. “Employers have an opportunity to move beyond traditional wellness programs and take a more holistic approach — one that helps employees recover from challenges, adapt to change and stay engaged over the long term.”

The survey also revealed a perception gap between employers and employees with 75% of employers believing that they have a responsibility to support resiliency, but only 43% of employees expecting their employer to do so. That gap represents an opportunity for organizations and their advisors to rethink benefit design and communication strategies around financial security and recovery support.