While volatility and uncertainty may continue to dominate the larger macroeconomic backdrop, for workers and employers alike, there is one theme that is holding steady: financial pressures continue to persist.

This much is clear from the results of the “2025 Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report: What today’s workers value most, across generations.” This report from PNC Organizational Financial Wellness summarizes survey data and in-depth interviews from more than 1,000 U.S. workers and more than 500 U.S. employers to better understand the financial health and wellness of today’s workforce. The results largely echo worker and employer sentiments expressed in the previous year’s study, 2024 Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report: The Evolving Needs of the Multigenerational American Workforce.

“There is real value for employers in learning more about the financial pressures that their workers are experiencing, and how those pressures vary across generational divides,” said Kaley Keeley Buchanan, senior vice president and head of PNC Organizational Financial Wellness. “Having insight into this can help employers develop strategies to meet workers where they are, with the goal of helping them achieve a sounder financial outlook. From a business perspective, having this understanding can also play a key role in terms of talent retention.”

Key Survey Takeaways: The American Worker Point of View

  • Survey findings show that 68% of workers report being “somewhat” or “very” stressed about their financial situation — down slightly from 70% in 2024 and 71% in 2023 who reported being stressed by their finances.
  • Boomers are feeling better year-over-year. Among those surveyed, 48% of Baby Boomers said they were better off financially this year compared to last year. Across other generations, 38% of Gen X survey participants, 31% of Millennial participants and 18% of Gen Z participants reported feeling better about their financial situation in 2025 compared to 2024.
  • Most U.S. workers are comfortable managing debt. Of those surveyed, 72% of workers said they are at least “somewhat” confident in managing debt. Significantly, Gen Z and Gen X reported less concern about student loans compared to last year, and Boomers were less concerned about auto and finance loans in 2025 compared to 2024. Millennials’ debt concerns are about the same as last year across all types of loans.
  • Confidence level for meeting retirement goals varies across generations. Gen Z is the most confident they will meet their retirement goals, with 56% reporting they are “somewhat” or “very confident” they will meet them. Millennials (50%) and Boomers (50%) were equally confident, while Gen X (43%) were the least confident in their ability to meet retirement goals.

Key Survey Takeaways: The American Employer Point of View

  • In 2025, 69% of employers surveyed believe their workers are facing financial stress, which was down significantly from the 78% reported in 2024 and slightly from the 71% reported in 2023.
  • Employers generally think their workers are prepared for retirement. A majority (78%) of U.S. employers believe their workers are prepared for retirement. Conversely, only 45% of surveyed workers believe they are prepared.
  • Half of employers say that their company’s financial situation is better this year than last year, largely unchanged from 2023. Yet, compared to 2023, employers are more likely to say they are struggling with the increased cost of benefits, employee retention and recruitment, and maintaining competitive salaries. Upward inflationary pressures may be the primary factor, as 90% of employers reported being impacted by inflation.
  • Around one-third of surveyed employers also said they were having trouble managing remote workers and dealing with supply chain issues.

More findings, including the complete report and related information, are available at pnc.com/WorkplaceReport.

“Today's workforce spans multiple generations, each with its own set of financial goals,” said Keeley. “To attract and retain top talent, employers must offer benefits that resonate across age groups and life stages. The PNC Organizational Financial Wellness team has unique understanding and insights to help businesses deliver targeted, high-impact benefits that support employee well-being, boost performance and foster long-term loyalty.”

Webinar Replay

In the 2025 Financial Wellness in the Workplace Report: What today’s workers value most, across generations webinar, PNC panelists offered in-depth discussion of survey results. A replay is available here.

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Through PNC Organizational Financial Wellness, employers can offer meaningful options that help attract, retain, and motivate talent, including bank-at-work programs, health savings accounts, student debt assistance, online financial education, retirement plan services, earned wage access, and personalized guidance for employees with complex banking needs. Learn more here.

Survey Methodology

The 2025 Financial Wellness in the Workplace Study 1,2 was conducted in early 2025 and surveyed two different populations: U.S. employers and U.S. workers. The research was conducted in two phases: PHASE 1: QUALITATIVE In-depth interviews, separately, with employers and workers in January 2025. PHASE 2: QUANTITATIVE Separate online surveys with employers and workers in March 2025. The Employer Survey was conducted online with a national sample of 500 U.S. employers with 100+ workers and annual revenues of $5 million or more. The sampling error is +/- 4.4% at the 95% confidence level. The Workers Survey was conducted online with a national sample of 1,000 U.S. workers ages 21–69 who work full time at companies with 100+ workers. The sampling error is +/- 3.0% at the 95% confidence level. The study was conducted by Willow Research, a custom market research firm and certified woman-owned business. Gen Z 1997-2012, Millennial 1981-1996, Gen X 1965-1980, Boomer 1946-1964.