On May 7, 2026, The Hartford Financial Services Group, a prominent provider of employee benefits and absence management, released compelling insights from its Future of Benefits Study. As inflation continues to escalate living costs, the study indicates a significant shift in how U.S. workers, particularly Generation Z, are making decisions regarding their employee benefits. The findings reveal that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an increasingly relied-upon tool for navigating these complex choices.

2. AI as a Decision-Making Tool for Younger Workers

The study reveals that 43% of U.S. workers often feel uncertain about their employee benefits selections. This uncertainty has led a substantial number of younger employees, notably those from Generation Z, to turn to AI search tools such as ChatGPT for guidance. Notably, 17% of all U.S. workers utilized AI during the open enrollment period, with over half of this group being from Gen Z.

Mike Fish, head of Employee Benefits at The Hartford, emphasized the changing landscape of benefits information access. “American workers are getting benefits information from more sources than ever before – HR portals, colleague and peer advice, and now AI,” he noted. This highlights a growing trend where employees are seeking out various channels to empower their decision-making.

Key Findings on AI Usage

The study uncovered several critical insights regarding how AI is shaping benefits enrollment:

Trust in AI: A remarkable 94% of Gen Z workers who engaged with AI during enrollment expressed trust in the recommendations provided.

Usage Statistics: Among U.S. workers who employed AI for benefits decisions, the primary uses included:

Comparing different benefits options (59%)

Obtaining general information about benefits (55%)

Receiving personalized recommendations (51%)

Calculating costs or estimating expenses (45%)

Direct guidance on what to choose (31%)

These statistics underscore the increasing reliance on AI as a credible source of assistance for benefits navigation.

3. Financial Pressures and Health Benefits

The Future of Benefits Study also sheds light on the financial pressures facing U.S. workers amidst rising living expenses. A staggering 50% of respondents expressed uncertainty about their ability to finance future medical care. With premiums and deductibles climbing, many employees are reconsidering their options for supplemental health benefits to provide additional financial protection.

Key Findings on Cost of Living Concerns

The study detailed several findings related to the impact of cost of living on employee benefits choices:

Daily Expense Worries: 44% of U.S. workers reported being more concerned about daily expenses—such as food, housing, healthcare, and unexpected costs—compared to their long-term financial outlook.

Mental Health Impact: 38% indicated that their financial situation negatively impacted their mental health.

Supplemental Health Benefits: A significant 73% of blue-collar workers view supplemental health benefits as integral to their overall financial strategy, compared to 60% of white-collar workers and 54% of service-based employees.

Reasons for Enrollment: The primary motivations for enrolling in supplemental health benefits included:

Seeking peace of mind for unexpected health events (62%)

Covering out-of-pocket costs (48%)

Filling gaps in existing medical or pharmacy coverage (37%)

4. Conclusion

These findings underscore the importance of providing clear and accessible benefits guidance, particularly as employees navigate the complexities of their options in an increasingly challenging financial landscape. Mike Fish stated, “U.S. workers want benefits that can help protect their paychecks – not just in a worst-case scenario, but in everyday life.” The Hartford’s study emphasizes the critical role that AI can play in empowering employees to make informed decisions about their benefits in the face of rising living costs and economic uncertainty.

5. Methodology

The Hartford’s Future of Benefits Study surveyed 1,000 U.S. workers between December 3 and December 11, 2025. The margin of error for the survey is +/-4% at a 95% confidence level, ensuring a statistically robust analysis of the data.

6. About The Hartford

The Hartford is a leader in property and casualty insurance, employee benefits, and mutual funds, boasting over 200 years of industry experience. The company is renowned for its commitment to service excellence and sustainable practices, making it a trusted name in the financial services sector.

Original press release