A B O U TA L I G H TAlight is a leading cloud-based human capital technology and services A B O U TT H I S S T U D Y provider for many of the world’s largest organizations and 35 millionpeople and dependents. Through the administration of employee benefits,Alight helps clients gain a benefits advantage while building a healthyand financially secure workforce by unifying the benefits ecosystemacross health, wealth, wellbeing, absence management and navigation. The2025 Employee Mindset Studymarks Alight’s 15th annual report focused on theU.S. workforce, delving into key areas such as employee wellbeing, workplace culture, total rewards and technology. This study aims to gain insights into employeeperceptions, enabling employers to enhance wellbeing and experiences, ultimatelyboosting engagement, productivity and performance. U.S. employees—both full-time and part-time—working for organizations with aminimum of1,000 employees. Our diverse sample reflects a wide range of age groups,races, genders and tenures. Participants represent various industries and work Executive summary Key findingsRecommendations for employersWorkers are feeling enthusiastic about the employee experience Rob Austin Vice President, Value Engineeringrob.austin@alight.comLaine Thomas Conway Workplace energy moves from meh to motivatedWork location provides no easy answersAI apprehension, acceptance and anticipationWellbeing is rebounding, but there’s still room for improvement laine.thomas@alight.comChristin MooreheadDelivery Consultant, Engagement Services Breaking the barriers to wellbeing progressSupport is crucial for driving wellbeing improvements christin.devcich@alight.comMariana FischbachDirector of Communications, Marketing The impact of the fully supported employeeIs flexibility worth more than pay?Benefits buffs exude enthusiasmDifferent populations, different perspectives mariana.fischbach@alight.comSpecial Contributor Communications needs aren’t one-size-fits-allOn the front lines: union employeesParents and caregivers are still juggling work and familyProfile of respondents Senior Copywriter, External Communications Executive summary Key findings As we mark the 15th year of Alight’s Employee Mindset Report, theworld of work looks markedly different in 2025 than what we saw in2010, yet some parts feel familiar. Organizations now operate amidrapid technological advances, rising geopolitical uncertainty,shifting societal expectations and hybrid workplace models.Executives, managers and front-line staff alike are weighing new Employee engagement trends up—63% report positive energy and excitement at work. —64% say they’re inspired to do their best every day.—66% experience a genuine sense of belonging—but one in three still feelsisolated and disconnected. —Remote workers (86%) are the most satisfied with where and how they work. employees across industries, locations and job levels, this reportuncovers how workers truly feel about their employers, benefits andeveryday experiences at work. We track engagement, wellbeing,communication effectiveness and technology adoption, translating —Onsite employees are least likely to feel connected to their employer’s missionor inspired to do their best work.—33% of remote workers would consider leaving if mandatory return-to-office —47% of employees feel good about their overall wellbeing, particularly inmental and social areas. Financial health continues to be their biggest hurdle. and work experience. That’s not to suggest employers can sit backand relax since the bar has been lowered by the pandemic. There isstill plenty of room for improvement. Workers are craving support—particularly when it comes to making healthcare decisions, findingtheir financial footing and dealing with stress. Overwhelmingly, —Hybrid workers report the most loneliness and isolation, suggesting thatsplitting time between the office and home can create friction between freedom and social interaction.—Younger generations feel more positively about their overall wellbeing than Boomers and Gen Xers. Key findings continued Benefits awareness outpaces usage—85% of workers say they have access to at least one wellbeing program, like mental health apps, nutrition coaching or stress-management workshops.—Despite the widespread availability, average utilization hovers near 30–35%per program.—60% of workers understand their benefits options and feel confident making —Nearly one-quarter of employees use AI tools every day.—43% say AI makes them more productive.—One-third of workers worry about AI taking over their job. —63% feel well informed about their benefits.—Nearly half find the volume of HR and benefits messages overwhelming. —Unionized employees rate company communications higher, yet they reportgreater stress and job security concerns. Recommendations for employers to factors like work location and benefits literacy level. Combine succinct AI-generated digital alerts with periodic