As inflation talks temper, a majority of working Americans worry their workplace benefits will cost more during open enrollment, Voya survey says

As a result, research shows 72% of employed Americans will spend more time reviewing their benefit elections to help make the most of their benefit dollars

Data also reveals growing interest in mental health support as 57% of Americans say financial stability has a direct impact on mental health

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), a leading health, wealth and investment company, is releasing new findings from a consumer research survey highlighting trends and consumer interest areas for the 2023 benefits open enrollment season. Among many findings, Voya’s research revealed that as the rising costs of goods and services associated with inflation is leveling out for many, a majority (79%) of working Americans strongly or somewhat agree that they are worried their workplace benefits will cost them more this open enrollment season because of inflation. This is an increase from 66% recorded in June 2022 when inflation was at its peak. Voya’s research also found that 7 in 10 (72%) of employed Americans strongly or somewhat agree that, because of inflation, they will spend more time reviewing their benefit elections during open enrollment to help them make the most of their benefit dollars.

“As the economy continues to work to recover from the financial impacts of both the pandemic and the added layer of inflationary costs, it’s clear that many individuals are still feeling the financial strains,” said Rob Grubka, CEO of Workplace Solutions for Voya Financial. “With our research also revealing that 88% of individuals feel like their money does not go as far as it used to, when it comes to enrolling in their workplace benefits this fall, understandably, many have concerns about the impacts to their paycheck.”

Finances and mental health go hand in hand

Voya’s research also revealed that more than half (57%) of Americans strongly or somewhat agree that their financial stability has a direct impact on their mental health. As finances remain top of mind for many as they enter this year’s open enrollment season, benefits, including those with a focus on mental health, are being considered more than before. What’s more, the “ask” from today’s workforce is also becoming increasingly apparent as more than half (55%) of employed individuals strongly or somewhat agree their employer has a responsibility in ensuring they are mentally healthy and emotionally well. This has proven even more important as nearly half (48%) said they would select a workplace benefit offered by their employer that provides more mental health support and resources even if it costs them more.

“While traditional benefits like medical and dental insurance remain top of mind for many employers and employees, it’s clear that both financial and mental health needs are now equally important components of a comprehensive benefits package,” added Grubka. “And this can have implications for both employers and employees — not only did our research find that 63% of employees somewhat or strongly agree that their mental health has a direct impact on their ability to perform their job effectively, but half of employed Americans also agreed that they are more likely to stay with current employer if offered mental health benefits and resources. As a result, it’s clear that employers have an opportunity to provide the mental health and well-being resources and support that their workforce has come to expect.”

While benefit selection confidence remains high, support and guidance remain critical

When it comes time to selecting benefits during open enrollment, Voya has seen that inertia can often play a big role for employees in making benefits changes, where many individuals have the tendency to select the benefits they enrolled in previously. The good news is that today’s environment is encouraging employees to take a more thoughtful approach, particularly given the overall financial concerns impacting consumers. As a result, a majority (79%) of employed individuals are interested in receiving support to maximize their workplace benefit dollars across their retirement savings, health savings accounts (HSAs), health care insurance and voluntary benefits at work.

In response — and to help employers and employees gain more holistic views into their workplace benefits and savings — Voya recently launched myVoyage, a new and first-of-its-kind personalized financial-guidance and connected workplace-benefits digital platform. In addition to a focus on digital resources, and to support the growing employee expectations that employers provide mental health resources, Voya has also recently expanded its critical illness and accident insurance solutions, offering new benefits and coverage to focus on mental health.

As an industry leader focused on the delivery of health, wealth and investment solutions to and through the workplace, Voya Financial is committed to delivering on its mission to make a secure financial future possible for all — one person, one family, one institution at a time.

All data based on the results of a Voya Financial Consumer Insights & Research survey conducted June 12-13, 2023, on the Ipsos eNation omnibus online platform among 1,004 adults aged 18+ in the U.S., featuring 483 Americans working full-time or part-time.

About Voya Financial^®

Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), is a leading health, wealth and investment company with 7,200 employees who are focused on achieving Voya’s aspirational vision: Clearing your path to financial confidence and a more fulfilling life. Through products, solutions and technologies, Voya helps its 14.7 million individual, workplace and institutional clients become well planned, well invested and well protected. Benefitfocus, a Voya company, extends the reach of Voya’s workplace benefits and savings offerings by providing benefits administration capabilities to 16.5 million individual subscription employees across employer and health plan clients. Certified as a “Great Place to Work” by the Great Place to Work^® Institute, Voya is purpose-driven and committed to conducting business in a way that is economically, ethically, socially and environmentally responsible. Voya has earned recognition as: one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies^® by the Ethisphere Institute; a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index; and a “Best Place to Work for Disability Inclusion” on the Disability Equality Index. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Voya Financial and its affiliated companies (collectively, “Voya”) is making available to you the Personalized Enrollment Guidance tool offered by SAVVI Financial LLC. (“SAVVI”). Voya has a financial ownership interest in and business relationships with SAVVI that create an incentive for Voya to promote SAVVI’s products and services and for SAVVI to promote Voya’s products and services. Please access and read SAVVI’s Firm Brochure which is available at this link: https://www.savvifi.com/legal/form-adv. It contains general information about SAVVI’s business, including conflicts of interest.

Insurance products are issued by ReliaStar Life Insurance Company (Minneapolis, MN) and ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York (Woodbury, NY). Within the State of New York, only ReliaStar Life Insurance Company of New York is admitted, and its products issued. Both are members of the Voya® family of companies. Voya Employee Benefits is a division of both companies. Product availability and specific provisions may vary by state.

About Ipsos

Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people. Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multispecialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions. Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD). ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP www.ipsos.com.

Ipsos is a separate entity and not a corporate affiliate of Voya Financial^®.

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