Download the resiliency playbook
In today’s workforce, well-being is up. Resiliency is not.
The resiliency gap
WELL-BEING + RESILIENCY
We surveyed 2,000+ employees and 400 employers to get a better sense of how American workers are feeling and faring today
Resiliency is currently the missing link in today’s workforce
The state of well-being is strong
But well-being ≠ resiliency
Employees rate their overall well-being at 7.5 out of 10
say employer well-being support is good/excellent
Only 1-in-3 employees say they always feel resilient
of employees feel that their employers do not help them in recovering from setbacks
60%
38%
What do employees want?
Employees expressed three asks of employers for improving resiliency:
41%
39%
31%
want more paid time off / vacation
want better work/life balance policies
want more flexible work arrangements
Employers believe in resiliency, but can’t fully deliver yet
33%
Supportive check-ins when things get stressful
33%
Communication about available resources
Flexible leave during illness or recovery
29%
Burnout is no longer the leading challenge for many employees when it comes to their well-being
Burnout
29%
Economic uncertainty
39%
Financial pressures (48%)
48%
Employees are worried about their finances and economic conditions
When asked what is currently impacting their well-being, employees were clear:
Financial challenges are the #1 risk to well-being and resiliency
Knowing where stress shows up helps employers respond in ways that truly build resiliency
report low job satisfaction
44%
have difficulty concentrating
48%
have increased stress
64%
Employees say life's challenges are impacting them across the board
At home:
have difficulty relaxing
49%
experience sleep problems
60%
have stress and anxiety
72%
At work:
There are other barriers to resiliency
75% of employers feel responsible for resiliency — many say they’re currently falling short
The top three areas areas identified for improvement by employers:
Well-being helps employees feel well. Resiliency helps them stay well. Today’s workforce needs both. Employers can help improve resiliency through three key focus areas:
The new workforce need is well-being + resiliency
Protect
Recover
Sustain
Five questions to get started in accessing resiliency readiness:
Are you leading a resilient organization?
Do employees have adequate time and structure for recovery?
Do employees know how to access benefits and well-being resources?
Are benefits and workplace conditions working together?
Are managers equipped to support employees post-stressor?
Are leave and flexibility policies aligned with modern needs?
5
1
2
3
4
New York Life can help
We’re ready and able to help employees build a strong culture of well-being + resiliency. Connect with your broker or a New York Life Group Benefit Solutions representative.
Download the resiliency playbook
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Putting Benefits To Work For People SM
Source: This poll was conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of New York Life Group Benefit Solutions between November 21 – December 3, 2025 among a sample of 2002 employees defined as those who work in the private sector or in the government and 400 employers defined as those who work in the private sector or in the government and have a role of Director or above. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on gender. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points. New York Life Group Benefit Solutions products and services are provided by Life Insurance Company of North America, New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY, and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance Company. Life Insurance Company of North America is not authorized in NY and does not conduct business in NY. © 2026, New York Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. NEW YORK LIFE, and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company.
SMRU 8665533.1 Exp.12.15.2028
Protect against
potential stressors through benefits + coverages
Recover through time, flexibility, + policies
Sustain daily well-being support through programs + resources
Download the resiliency playbook
Financial pressures (48%)
Economic uncertainty (39%)
Burnout is no longer the leading challenge for many employees when it comes to their well-being
Burnout (29%)
Economic uncertainty (39%)
Financial pressures (48%)
Accessibility Statement
Privacy & Other Policies
Terms of Use
Putting Benefits To Work For People SM
Source: New York Life Group Benefit Solutions survey conducted by Morning Consult between September 16-September 21, 2025 among a sample of 240 employed adults (18+) who care for a dependent with special needs. The interviews were conducted online and the data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on gender. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 6 percentage points. New York Life Group Benefit Solutions products and services are provided by Life Insurance Company of North America, New York Life Group Insurance Company of NY, and New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation, subsidiaries of New York Life Insurance Company. Life Insurance Company of North America is not authorized in NY and does not conduct business in NY. © 2025, New York Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. NEW YORK LIFE, and the NEW YORK LIFE Box Logo are trademarks of New York Life Insurance Company. SMRU 8555390.1 (Exp. Date. 10.30.2028)