Resumen

  • 75% of employers believe workers are prepared for retirement, but only 45% of workers agree – and only 10% feel “very” prepared.
  • Beyond retirement, many workers also feel unprepared for managing financial emergencies and major expenses.
  • Inflation and other economic pressures are making it harder for workers to save for the future.
  • Employers may help close the gap by pairing benefits with financial education and guidance.

Many U.S. employers believe their workforce is financially prepared for retirement, but findings from PNC’s 2026 Financial Wellness in the Workplace survey suggest workers see it very differently.

While 75% of employers believe their employees are prepared for retirement, only 45% of workers say they believe they are prepared. Even more striking: just 10% of workers say they feel “very” prepared, and 15% don't believe they will ever be able to retire.

“Retirement preparedness is about much more than enrolling in a workplace plan," said Kaley Keeley Buchanan, Head of PNC Financial Wellness Solutions. “Workers may be saving for retirement, but many still aren't confident they have a clear path to reaching their goals. Our research suggests that confidence and preparedness don't always go hand in hand. Helping workers understand where they stand today and what actions they can take next may be just as important as offering the benefit itself.”

For employers, this gap may represent an important opportunity. If workers don't feel prepared despite having access to benefits, organizations may need to look beyond enrollment numbers and consider how effectively their employees understand and use the resources available to them.

Why Retirement Readiness Is Connected to Everyday Financial Realities

Long-term financial goals are often shaped by immediate pressures, and many workers report limited ability to absorb a financial setback.

According to PNC’s research, 55% of workers say they could cover fewer than three months of expenses if they lost their job. Workers also reported feeling unprepared to handle major purchases such as buying a home or vehicle (52%), emergency medical expenses (49%), and other unexpected financial emergencies (46%).

This financial strain may make it harder for workers to prioritize retirement planning.

“Financial preparedness is built over time,” Buchanan said. “When workers have a stronger foundation, whether that's an emergency reserve, a savings strategy, or greater confidence in their financial decisions, they may be better positioned to focus on long-term goals like retirement.”

Why Are Employers and Workers Seeing the Economy Differently?

The PNC survey also found a notable gap in economic outlook: 70% of employers say they are “somewhat” or “very” optimistic about the economy, compared with just 47% of workers.

At the same time, 86% of workers say inflation has negatively affected their financial situation, and 82% say it has made it harder to save for the future.

When workers feel financial pressure in their daily lives, retirement goals can feel harder to achieve. These pressures may lead them to delay saving, reduce contributions, or feel less confident about their long-term outlook.

“Many workers continue to feel the impact of higher costs, particularly when it comes to saving for the future,” Buchanan said. “Financial education and guidance can help them better understand their options and make informed decisions that support both short-term needs and long-term goals.”

How Can Employers Help Close the Preparedness Gap?

PNC’s findings point to an opportunity for employers to look beyond whether benefits are offered and consider whether their employees understand and use them effectively.

Supporting retirement preparedness may include:

  • expanding financial education and guidance;
  • helping workers connect everyday financial decisions to long-term goals;
  • providing access to personalized retirement planning resources; and
  • encouraging strategies that strengthen both short-term resilience and long-term savings.

“The most effective financial wellness programs help workers turn information into action,” Buchanan noted. “When they understand how to use available resources and make informed financial decisions, they're more likely to feel confident about their financial future.”

Closing the Gap Between Benefits and Preparedness

The findings suggest that access to benefits does not always translate into financial confidence. Education, guidance, and personalized support may help workers put those resources to use.

For organizations, PNC Workplace Advantage provides financial guidance, education, and enhanced benefits designed to help workers build financial confidence while giving employers greater insight into benefits engagement and program value.

For workers at any stage of their retirement journey, PNC offers guidance and tools to help them work toward their goals.

El Informe sobre el bienestar financiero en el lugar de trabajo de PNC de 2026 se basa en las respuestas a una encuesta realizada a 1,000 trabajadores estadounidenses y 500 empleadores estadounidenses, así como en entrevistas en profundidad con trabajadores y líderes empresariales. For the complete report, visit pnc.com/WorkplaceReport.