The 2026 global financial wellbeing report

2 min read

Financial volatility has become embedded in everyday life. Geopolitical conflict, energy market disruption, and shifting trade policy are contributing to an environment where financial pressure is no longer temporary – it is structural.

Today, we’re launching the 2026 global financial wellbeing report – based on insights from 11,510 employees across 17 countries. The research explores how declining financial capability, growing disengagement, and financial fragility during key life moments are shaping employee wellbeing globally.

Financial literacy is falling

The proportion of employees reporting good or excellent financial literacy has fallen from 86% in 2023 to 67% in 2026 – a 22% decline in three years. This trend is visible across the countries surveyed and points to a widening gap between financial complexity, the capability to navigate it and is reflected in employee outcomes.

Employees with stronger financial literacy are significantly more likely to:

• Have emergency savings
• Avoid overspending
• Have retirement savings in place
• Feel financially resilient

As financial literacy declines, financial vulnerability increases.

The growing “indifference gap”

Many employees describe themselves as feeling neutral about their finances. But the research suggests neutrality is not the same as stability. Employees in the “indifferent middle” are less likely to report good financial literacy and more likely to have low savings levels or no financial buffer at all.

The findings suggest this indifference reflects disengagement rather than security. As financial decision-making becomes more difficult, avoidance becomes the path of least resistance.

The impact extends beyond finances. Employees with lower financial literacy and higher levels of indifference consistently report poorer financial, mental, physical, and social health outcomes.

Life events are exposing financial fragility

The report also highlights how key life moments bring underlying financial vulnerability into focus.
Events such as becoming a parent, health setbacks, caring responsibilities, and job loss are exposing just how fragile financial resilience has become for many employees.

Globally:

• 40% feel overwhelmed by debt
• 20% are not saving enough to meet their financial goals
• 13% have no emergency savings at all

The research suggests these moments are not creating financial pressure – they are exposing it.

Employer support can drive action

The report points to a clear opportunity for employers to help close the capability gap. The findings show that financial education and employee benefits are most effective when they work together – helping employees better understand their finances and feel confident taking action.

Employees who receive support are more likely to:

• Feel cared for by their employer
• Feel confident making financial decisions
• Feel supported during key life moments
• Feel committed to their employer

The report also links employer support with stronger financial, mental, physical, and social wellbeing outcomes.

Download the full report

The 2026 global financial wellbeing report explores key employee trends shaping financial wellbeing globally – from declining financial literacy and growing indifference, to the impact of life events and the role employers can play in driving action.

Download the full report to explore the findings in full and what they mean for employers globally.