New research from Economist Enterprise, supported by Nuveen, highlights growing financial strain among U.S. workers and its implications for employers. The survey of more than 2,000 full-time employees finds that economic uncertainty is driving workers to prioritize job security over career mobility, contributing to a decade-low quit rate. At the same time, retirement is becoming increasingly out of reach, with respondents expecting to retire nearly four years later than planned due to rising living and healthcare costs.
Financial pressures are also forcing workers to tap into retirement savings, reduce contributions and delay major life decisions such as home purchases and starting families. The report finds these trends are particularly pronounced in sectors such as financial services and manufacturing, where job-search hesitation and financial strain are higher. Researchers warn that prolonged financial insecurity among employees could create long-term challenges for both
