MissionSquare Research Institute identifies five people‑first trends that will help define the workplace in 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. – MissionSquare Research Institute (the Institute) released today its annual “Trends to Watch” report, highlighting predictions for developments that will help shape workforce strategies in the year ahead. From the rising importance of financial wellness and guaranteed income to the human impact of artificial intelligence (AI), the Institute’s Five Trends to Watch for 2026 underscores a common theme: Organizations that pair innovation with intentional investment in their people will lead the way.

“The trends we’re tracking for 2026 point to a pivotal year for employers and public service organizations,” said Gerald Young, senior researcher at MissionSquare Research Institute. “The workforce is navigating rapid change. While innovation is essential, it is not sufficient on its own. Employers who intentionally invest in their people – through communication, training, and thoughtful program design – will be better equipped to strengthen their workforce and improve long-term outcomes for the communities they serve.”

Drawing from its recent research and emerging developments for 2026, the Institute identified five primary themes for employers to watch:

  1. Financial wellness becomes a strategic lever, not a perk – With new research from the Institute finding more than half of employees reporting financial stress, organizations are shifting from one-size-fits-all offerings to more personalized, measurable financial wellness strategies. As a result, hybrid models that combine human guidance with fintech tools are proving especially effective.
  2. Guaranteed income shapes behavior long before retirement – While pension and annuity features influence how employees save, invest, and plan, employers will need a deeper understanding of how guaranteed income impacts decision-making throughout one’s entire retirement journey.
  3. Advice and technology merge into a new decision-making model – As retirement choices become more complex, research coming soon from the Institute shows that human advice and technology work best in combination. This convergence also raises important questions around trust, equity, and guardrails for AI-enabled financial tools.
  4. AI’s human impact becomes the real story – As the use of AI expands, employees are more concerned about job disruption and the need for retraining than they are about the technology itself. With many workers reporting limited training or oversight on AI use, employer-led education, responsible governance, and clear communication will become increasingly critical.
  5. Mental and emotional labor gain overdue recognition – As stress, burnout, and emotional strain can meaningfully shape retention and performance at work, in 2026, the Institute will release new research exploring how workers perceive these impacts and how employers can respond effectively.

Looking Ahead

Across all trends, the Institute concludes that organizations can succeed by delivering solutions that are clearly communicated, well-designed, and measurable. The full report, Five Trends to Watch for 2026, is available on the MissionSquare Research Institute website.

About MissionSquare Research Institute

MissionSquare Research Institute identifies and advances best practices in retirement planning, financial wellness, and workforce development strategies to help meet the evolving needs of the public and private sector workforce. Through rigorous, data-driven research, in collaboration with industry-leading thought leaders and academics, the Institute delivers actionable insights and innovative strategies that support MissionSquare’s broader mission to help all individuals and their families build financial security. For more information and access to research and publications, visit research.missionsq.org.

About MissionSquare Retirement

Since its founding in 1972, MissionSquare has remained committed to delivering on its mission to help all individuals and their families build financial security. As a mission-based financial services company, we manage and administer over $73 billion in assets.* Our commitment to delivering outstanding service, effortless technology, and quality investments sets us apart. For more information, visit www.missionsq.org.

As of Dec. 31, 2025. Includes 457(b) plans, 401(a) plans, 403(b) plans, Retirement Health Savings plans, Employer Investment Program plans, affiliated IRAs, and investment-only assets.

Media Contact:
Laura Maulucci
MissionSquare
(202) 655-5420
LCMaulucci@missionsq.org

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