Economic Uncertainty Reshapes America's Workforce

New research reveals three ways job security, retirement, and life decisions are being impacted

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:15pm

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the economic forces impacting job security, retirement planning, and major life decisions for American workers.As economic uncertainty reshapes the American workforce, workers are prioritizing stability over advancement and delaying major life milestones.NYC Today

New research from Economist Enterprise on the evolving employee benefits landscape reveals how economic uncertainty is freezing career mobility, deepening retirement insecurity, and widening the benefits divide across America's workforce. The study found that 62% of workers prioritize long-term job security over higher pay and better benefits, 35% have taken hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts, and 73% have postponed major purchases like homes and cars.

Why it matters

This research highlights how economic instability is reshaping the American workforce, with workers prioritizing stability over career advancement and delaying key life milestones just to stay financially afloat. Employers will need to rethink their benefits strategies to attract and retain talent in this uncertain climate.

The details

The research surveyed 2,063 full-time employed Americans aged 18-62 across various industries. Key findings include: 62% of workers choose job security over new opportunities, 30% have stopped job searching in the past 5 years due to job security concerns, workers now expect to retire nearly 4 years later than planned, 35% have taken hardship withdrawals from retirement accounts, and 73% have postponed major purchases like homes and cars.

  • The research was conducted between November and December 2025.

The players

Economist Enterprise

The arm of The Economist Group that provides services to businesses, government agencies and financial institutions. The research was supported by Nuveen, a TIAA company.

Matt Terry

Led the research at Economist Enterprise.

Brendan McCarthy

Head of Nuveen Retirement Investing.

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What they’re saying

“America's workers are prioritizing job stability and a strong benefits package, signaling a shift in how workers weigh risk versus reward in today's competitive labor market.”

— Matt Terry, Led the research at Economist Enterprise

“The data in this report should give every employer pause. When workers feel financially insecure, they delay retirement, and that has real costs – both administrative and financial - for organizations carrying expensive, experienced employees who are ready to move on but don't believe they can afford to.”

— Brendan McCarthy, Head of Nuveen Retirement Investing

What’s next

Employers will need to reevaluate their benefits strategies to address the evolving needs of a workforce facing economic uncertainty, including offering more stability, flexibility, and support for retirement planning.

The takeaway

This research highlights the significant impact economic instability is having on the American workforce, with workers prioritizing job security over career advancement and delaying major life decisions just to stay afloat. Employers will need to adapt their benefits and talent strategies to attract and retain talent in this new landscape.