Benefits Industry Statistics

GITNUXREPORT 2026

Benefits Industry Statistics

Employer financial and health perks are getting more targeted just as costs and stress rise, with Gen Z making financial benefits a priority and 67% of employers bundling financial wellness with EAP in 2023. You will see how workers’ needs translate into concrete offerings, from average student loan help of $2,500 a year and $450 goal-linked incentives to retirement plan details like 401(k) advice reaching 45% of plans and HSAs climbing to $28.7 billion in assets.

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

In 2023, 42% of employers offered student loan repayment assistance averaging $2,500/year, SHRM survey.

Statistic 2

Financial wellness programs were provided by 68% of organizations in 2023, up from 55% in 2021, per PwC.

Statistic 3

55% of employers offered emergency savings accounts in 2023, averaging $1,000 match, Mercer.

Statistic 4

Adoption of financial coaching services reached 51% among large firms in 2023, SHRM data.

Statistic 5

29% of workers reported high financial stress in 2023, prompting 60% employer response, PwC.

Statistic 6

Tuition reimbursement averaged $5,250 per employee in 2023 for 52% of employers, SHRM.

Statistic 7

401(k) advice services used by 45% of plans, improving outcomes by 1.5% returns, Fidelity 2023.

Statistic 8

Debt management programs offered by 35% of employers in 2023, focusing on credit counseling, Mercer.

Statistic 9

48% of Gen Z workers prioritized financial benefits in 2023 job choices, Deloitte survey.

Statistic 10

HSAs grew to $28.7 billion in assets by end-2023, with 36 million accounts, EBRI.

Statistic 11

67% of employers bundled financial wellness with EAP in 2023, PwC.

Statistic 12

Average student loan benefit was $100/month forgiveness for 20% of firms, SHRM 2023.

Statistic 13

Financial literacy training reached 62% participation via employer programs in 2023, Mercer.

Statistic 14

25% offered buy-now-pay-later payroll integration in 2023, innovative trend per Deloitte.

Statistic 15

Wellness incentives tied to financial goals averaged $450 in 2023, SHRM.

Statistic 16

71% of employers saw ROI on financial wellness programs via reduced turnover, PwC 2023.

Statistic 17

Pet insurance voluntary benefits enrolled 15% of eligible workers, averaging $20/month premium, SHRM.

Statistic 18

33% provided identity theft protection in 2023, up 10%, Mercer data.

Statistic 19

Average commuter benefits subsidy was $1,200/year for 44% of urban employers, SHRM.

Statistic 20

Legal services plans covered 18% of large firms, averaging $1,500/year value, SHRM 2023.

Statistic 21

52% offered childcare FSA up to $5,000 in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 22

Financial check-ups conducted for 40% of workforce via apps in 2023, Deloitte.

Statistic 23

27% matched charitable donations up to $1,000/employee in 2023, SHRM.

Statistic 24

Dependent care benefits used by 28% of parents, saving $2,500 avg tax-free, BLS 2023.

Statistic 25

61% of employers integrated AI financial tools in 2023 benefits platforms, Mercer.

Statistic 26

Average eldercare subsidy was $500/year for 12% of firms, SHRM.

Statistic 27

In 2023, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage reached $23,968, a 7% increase from 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey.

Statistic 28

Workers contributed an average of $6,575 toward family health premiums in 2023, representing 29% of the total premium cost, per KFF data.

Statistic 29

73% of large firms (200+ workers) offered Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in 2023, up from 58% in 2019, as reported by KFF.

Statistic 30

Prescription drug costs accounted for 18% of total health plan spending in 2023, with employers facing 9% year-over-year increases, from Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans.

Statistic 31

In 2023, 92% of covered workers were in plans with deductibles averaging $1,735 for single coverage, a slight decrease from prior years, per KFF.

Statistic 32

65% of employers offered telehealth services to at least some workers in 2023, with usage rates exceeding 40% post-pandemic, according to SHRM.

Statistic 33

Average out-of-pocket maximum for single coverage was $3,992 in 2023 for PPO plans, up 4% from 2022, from KFF survey.

Statistic 34

24% of large employers self-funded at least some health benefits in 2023, rising to 81% among the largest firms, per KFF.

Statistic 35

Dental coverage was offered by 74% of small firms (3-199 workers) and 94% of large firms in 2023, KFF data shows.

Statistic 36

Vision benefits were provided by 54% of small firms and 79% of large firms in 2023, according to KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey.

Statistic 37

In 2022, employer health benefits costs grew by 5.1% to $13.4 trillion nationally, per PwC Medical Cost Trend Survey.

Statistic 38

81% of employers with 500+ employees offered mental health benefits in 2023, up from 72% in 2021, Mercer reports.

Statistic 39

Average single coverage premium rose to $8,435 in 2023, with a 3% increase, from KFF annual survey.

Statistic 40

High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) covered 29% of workers in 2023, stable from previous years, per KFF.

Statistic 41

50% of firms offered wellness programs tied to health benefits in 2023, with participation incentives averaging $600, SHRM data.

Statistic 42

Fertility benefits were offered by 39% of large employers in 2023, doubling from 2019, according to Mercer.

Statistic 43

Average employer contribution to single health premiums was $7,390 in 2023, per KFF.

Statistic 44

67% of employers provided on-site or virtual health clinics in 2023, up significantly post-COVID, Mercer survey.

Statistic 45

Hearing benefits were offered by 22% of employers in 2023, a growing trend, from SHRM.

Statistic 46

In 2023, 45% of workers faced higher cost-sharing for specialty drugs, averaging $128 per fill, KFF reports.

Statistic 47

Medicare Advantage enrollment among employer-sponsored retirees reached 48% in 2023, per KFF.

Statistic 48

88% of large firms offered retiree health benefits in some form in 2023, down slightly, KFF data.

Statistic 49

Average copay for primary care visits was $25 in 2023 for covered workers, stable per KFF.

Statistic 50

62% of employers offered gender-affirming care coverage in 2023, up from 2022, Mercer.

Statistic 51

Health plan administrative costs averaged 5.5% of total premiums in 2023, from PwC.

Statistic 52

76% of small firms offered health insurance in 2023, with average premiums lower than large firms, KFF.

Statistic 53

Virtual primary care was available to 75% of large employer workers in 2023, per Mercer.

Statistic 54

Average annual deductible for family coverage hit $3,591 in 2023, KFF survey.

Statistic 55

34% of employers offered pet insurance as a voluntary health-related benefit in 2023, SHRM.

Statistic 56

Employer-sponsored health spending per capita grew 4.8% in 2023 to $14,270, per CMS data.

Statistic 57

In 2023, private industry workers received paid sick leave from 79% of employers, averaging 7 days per year, BLS.

Statistic 58

Vacation leave was provided to 77% of private sector workers, averaging 14 days after one year of service, BLS 2023.

Statistic 59

Paid holidays averaged 8 days per year for 77% of private industry employees in 2023, per BLS.

Statistic 60

27% of private employers offered paid family leave in 2023, up from 25% in 2022, BLS data.

Statistic 61

Average paid vacation after 5 years of service was 17 days for eligible workers, BLS National Compensation Survey 2023.

Statistic 62

Paid personal leave was available to 41% of workers, averaging 4 days, in 2023 BLS survey.

Statistic 63

80% of state and local government workers had paid sick leave averaging 13 days in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 64

Under FMLA, 60% of eligible workers took leave in 2023, averaging 10 days unpaid, DOL survey.

Statistic 65

Paid parental leave was offered by 40% of employers for maternity (12 weeks average) in 2023, SHRM.

Statistic 66

23% of private firms provided paid family leave averaging 7 weeks in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 67

Vacation accrual after 10 years averaged 18 days for 77% of workers, BLS 2023.

Statistic 68

Paid bereavement leave was offered by 49% of employers, averaging 3 days, SHRM 2023.

Statistic 69

95% of union workers had paid holidays vs 75% non-union in 2023, BLS data.

Statistic 70

Average sick leave for service workers was 6 days, vs 10 for professionals in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 71

Paid jury duty leave covered 85% of employers, averaging full pay for 5 days, SHRM.

Statistic 72

30% of small firms (50-99 workers) offered paid family leave in 2023, up 5%, BLS.

Statistic 73

Unlimited PTO policies were adopted by 24% of tech firms but only 3% overall in 2023, SHRM.

Statistic 74

Paid military leave was provided by 88% of employers, averaging 20 days pay, SHRM 2023.

Statistic 75

Vacation carryover allowed by 67% of employers, averaging 120 hours max, BLS.

Statistic 76

Paid sabbaticals offered by 15% of large firms (500+), averaging 4 weeks every 7 years, SHRM.

Statistic 77

62% of workers used all accrued vacation in 2023, down from 70% pre-pandemic, SHRM.

Statistic 78

Paid civic duty leave (voting) at 72% of employers, full pay average, SHRM 2023.

Statistic 79

Sick leave payout upon termination offered by 27% of employers, averaging 50% accrual, BLS.

Statistic 80

Average paid holidays for professionals: 9 days, vs 6 for service in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 81

Paid caregiver leave piloted by 12% of Fortune 1000 in 2023, averaging 2 weeks, Mercer.

Statistic 82

78% of employers with unlimited sick leave policies in 2023, mostly small firms, SHRM.

Statistic 83

Vacation after 20 years averaged 22 days for long-tenured staff, BLS 2023.

Statistic 84

Paid volunteer leave offered by 38% of employers, averaging 8 hours/year, SHRM.

Statistic 85

In 2023, 68% of U.S. workers had access to employer-sponsored health insurance, stable from 2022, BLS data.

Statistic 86

Defined contribution plan participation reached 53% of private sector workers in 2022, per BLS National Compensation Survey.

Statistic 87

Average 401(k) account balance for workers aged 55-64 was $232,710 at year-end 2023, Vanguard How America Saves report.

Statistic 88

89% of Fortune 500 companies offered 401(k) matching contributions averaging 4.7% of salary in 2023, per Willis Towers Watson.

Statistic 89

Defined benefit pension plans covered only 15% of private industry workers in 2023, down from 35% in 1990, BLS.

Statistic 90

Average employer match for 401(k)s was 4.3% of pay in 2023 for firms offering it, EBRI data.

Statistic 91

401(k) contribution limits rose to $22,500 in 2023 for under-50 workers, with catch-up at $7,500, IRS via EBRI.

Statistic 92

Auto-enrollment in 401(k) plans was used by 85% of large plans in 2023, boosting participation to 92%, Vanguard.

Statistic 93

Roth 401(k) options were available in 82% of plans in 2023, up from 73% in 2020, Vanguard.

Statistic 94

Average retirement account balance across all ages was $134,128 in Vanguard plans at end-2023.

Statistic 95

49% of workers aged 25-34 participated in DC plans in 2023, per BLS.

Statistic 96

Employer contributions to DC plans averaged 4.6% of pay in 2023, Willis Towers Watson survey.

Statistic 97

Only 52% of private sector workers had access to retirement benefits in 2023, BLS data.

Statistic 98

Target-date funds held 48% of 401(k) assets in 2023, per ICI research.

Statistic 99

Average deferral rate for 401(k) participants was 7.4% in 2023, excluding matches, Vanguard.

Statistic 100

401(k) loans were taken by 10% of participants in 2023, averaging $12,500, per EBRI.

Statistic 101

Cash balance plans covered 4% of private workers but held 20% of pension assets in 2023, BLS/ICI.

Statistic 102

Participation in retirement plans among state/local government workers was 90% in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 103

Average 401(k) balance for ages 65+ was $272,588 in 2023, Vanguard How America Saves.

Statistic 104

75% of plans offered Roth provisions in 2023, up 10% from 2022, Fidelity data.

Statistic 105

Employer stock in 401(k)s averaged 5% of assets in plans offering it, 2023 Fidelity.

Statistic 106

Hardship withdrawals occurred in 2.1% of accounts in 2023, per EBRI.

Statistic 107

DC plan assets totaled $9.6 trillion in Q4 2023, Investment Company Institute.

Statistic 108

83% of Vanguard 401(k) plans had automatic enrollment by 2023.

Statistic 109

Average match formula was 50% on first 6% deferred in 2023 plans, WTW.

Statistic 110

Only 30% of gig workers had retirement plan access in 2023, vs 53% traditional, BLS.

Statistic 111

Pension vesting averaged 5 years for cliff in DB plans, 2023 DOL data.

Statistic 112

401(k) fees averaged 0.57% of assets in 2023, down from 0.93% in 2010, ICI.

Statistic 113

Women’s average 401(k) balance was 30% lower than men’s at $112,000 in 2023, Vanguard.

Statistic 114

65% of employers offered financial wellness tools tied to retirement in 2023, SHRM.

Statistic 115

Total benefits costs averaged 30.8% of total compensation in 2023, BLS.

Statistic 116

Benefits as % of pay rose to 32% in private industry, 46% in state/local gov in 2023, BLS ECEC.

Statistic 117

86% of U.S. employers offered benefits packages in 2023, up from 82% in 2020, SHRM.

Statistic 118

Turnover due to poor benefits cited by 41% of HR pros in 2023, Mercer survey.

Statistic 119

Benefits spending grew 3.2% in 2023, trailing wage growth of 4.1%, BLS.

Statistic 120

Gig economy benefits coverage at 12% in 2023, vs 68% traditional employees, BLS.

Statistic 121

DEI-linked benefits offered by 55% of large firms in 2023, Deloitte.

Statistic 122

Post-COVID, flexible benefits utilization hit 75% in 2023, PwC.

Statistic 123

SMBs (under 100 employees) cut benefits budgets by 2% in 2023 amid inflation, SHRM.

Statistic 124

ESG benefits integration at 28% of corporations in 2023, up 15%, Mercer.

Statistic 125

Remote work benefits (stipends) averaged $50/month for 60% of hybrid firms, SHRM 2023.

Statistic 126

Benefits satisfaction scored 4.1/5 in 2023, highest since 2019, Mercer.

Statistic 127

Voluntary benefits market grew 5.8% to $24 billion in premiums 2023, LIMRA.

Statistic 128

AI-driven personalization in benefits platforms adopted by 35% in 2023, Deloitte.

Statistic 129

Unionized firms offered 20% higher benefits value in 2023, BLS ECEC.

Statistic 130

Benefits cost per FTE rose to $13,090 in private sector 2023, BLS.

Statistic 131

70% of Gen Z demanded mental health benefits in 2023 recruiting, SHRM.

Statistic 132

Healthcare cost containment strategies used by 92% of employers in 2023, KFF.

Statistic 133

Total rewards statements issued by 65% of firms, boosting perceived value 25%, Mercer 2023.

Statistic 134

Benefits outsourcing to PEOs grew 8% in 2023 for SMBs, NAPEO.

Sources
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Written by Sophie Moreland·Edited by Margot Villeneuve·Fact-checked by Claire Beaumont

Published Feb 13, 2026·Last verified May 4, 2026
Fact-checked via 4-step process
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Benefits budgets are still rising, yet what employees actually choose to use is shifting fast. In 2023, HSAs reached $28.7 billion across 36 million accounts while 42% of employers also offered student loan repayment support averaging $2,500 per year. The contrast between growing health assets and intensifying financial stress hints at a broader pattern HR teams are trying to keep up with, and the rest of the statistics show just how uneven that progress can be.

Key Takeaways

  • In 2023, 42% of employers offered student loan repayment assistance averaging $2,500/year, SHRM survey.
  • Financial wellness programs were provided by 68% of organizations in 2023, up from 55% in 2021, per PwC.
  • 55% of employers offered emergency savings accounts in 2023, averaging $1,000 match, Mercer.
  • In 2023, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage reached $23,968, a 7% increase from 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey.
  • Workers contributed an average of $6,575 toward family health premiums in 2023, representing 29% of the total premium cost, per KFF data.
  • 73% of large firms (200+ workers) offered Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in 2023, up from 58% in 2019, as reported by KFF.
  • In 2023, private industry workers received paid sick leave from 79% of employers, averaging 7 days per year, BLS.
  • Vacation leave was provided to 77% of private sector workers, averaging 14 days after one year of service, BLS 2023.
  • Paid holidays averaged 8 days per year for 77% of private industry employees in 2023, per BLS.
  • In 2023, 68% of U.S. workers had access to employer-sponsored health insurance, stable from 2022, BLS data.
  • Defined contribution plan participation reached 53% of private sector workers in 2022, per BLS National Compensation Survey.
  • Average 401(k) account balance for workers aged 55-64 was $232,710 at year-end 2023, Vanguard How America Saves report.
  • Total benefits costs averaged 30.8% of total compensation in 2023, BLS.
  • Benefits as % of pay rose to 32% in private industry, 46% in state/local gov in 2023, BLS ECEC.
  • 86% of U.S. employers offered benefits packages in 2023, up from 82% in 2020, SHRM.

Employers expanded financial wellness, mental health, and retirement support in 2023 to improve retention and ease stress.

Financial Wellness

1In 2023, 42% of employers offered student loan repayment assistance averaging $2,500/year, SHRM survey.
Verified
2Financial wellness programs were provided by 68% of organizations in 2023, up from 55% in 2021, per PwC.
Verified
355% of employers offered emergency savings accounts in 2023, averaging $1,000 match, Mercer.
Directional
4Adoption of financial coaching services reached 51% among large firms in 2023, SHRM data.
Single source
529% of workers reported high financial stress in 2023, prompting 60% employer response, PwC.
Single source
6Tuition reimbursement averaged $5,250 per employee in 2023 for 52% of employers, SHRM.
Directional
7401(k) advice services used by 45% of plans, improving outcomes by 1.5% returns, Fidelity 2023.
Single source
8Debt management programs offered by 35% of employers in 2023, focusing on credit counseling, Mercer.
Verified
948% of Gen Z workers prioritized financial benefits in 2023 job choices, Deloitte survey.
Directional
10HSAs grew to $28.7 billion in assets by end-2023, with 36 million accounts, EBRI.
Verified
1167% of employers bundled financial wellness with EAP in 2023, PwC.
Verified
12Average student loan benefit was $100/month forgiveness for 20% of firms, SHRM 2023.
Verified
13Financial literacy training reached 62% participation via employer programs in 2023, Mercer.
Verified
1425% offered buy-now-pay-later payroll integration in 2023, innovative trend per Deloitte.
Verified
15Wellness incentives tied to financial goals averaged $450 in 2023, SHRM.
Verified
1671% of employers saw ROI on financial wellness programs via reduced turnover, PwC 2023.
Verified
17Pet insurance voluntary benefits enrolled 15% of eligible workers, averaging $20/month premium, SHRM.
Verified
1833% provided identity theft protection in 2023, up 10%, Mercer data.
Single source
19Average commuter benefits subsidy was $1,200/year for 44% of urban employers, SHRM.
Verified
20Legal services plans covered 18% of large firms, averaging $1,500/year value, SHRM 2023.
Verified
2152% offered childcare FSA up to $5,000 in 2023, BLS.
Verified
22Financial check-ups conducted for 40% of workforce via apps in 2023, Deloitte.
Single source
2327% matched charitable donations up to $1,000/employee in 2023, SHRM.
Verified
24Dependent care benefits used by 28% of parents, saving $2,500 avg tax-free, BLS 2023.
Verified
2561% of employers integrated AI financial tools in 2023 benefits platforms, Mercer.
Single source
26Average eldercare subsidy was $500/year for 12% of firms, SHRM.
Verified

Financial Wellness Interpretation

Employers are frantically assembling a financial safety net from tuition reimbursement to pet insurance, hoping it catches their stressed workforce before productivity plummets, yet the sheer variety of benefits highlights a desperate scramble to patch everything from student debt to eldercare in a system that remains, for many, a precarious tightrope.

Health Benefits

1In 2023, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health coverage reached $23,968, a 7% increase from 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation Employer Health Benefits Survey.
Directional
2Workers contributed an average of $6,575 toward family health premiums in 2023, representing 29% of the total premium cost, per KFF data.
Verified
373% of large firms (200+ workers) offered Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) in 2023, up from 58% in 2019, as reported by KFF.
Single source
4Prescription drug costs accounted for 18% of total health plan spending in 2023, with employers facing 9% year-over-year increases, from Mercer’s National Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Plans.
Single source
5In 2023, 92% of covered workers were in plans with deductibles averaging $1,735 for single coverage, a slight decrease from prior years, per KFF.
Verified
665% of employers offered telehealth services to at least some workers in 2023, with usage rates exceeding 40% post-pandemic, according to SHRM.
Verified
7Average out-of-pocket maximum for single coverage was $3,992 in 2023 for PPO plans, up 4% from 2022, from KFF survey.
Directional
824% of large employers self-funded at least some health benefits in 2023, rising to 81% among the largest firms, per KFF.
Verified
9Dental coverage was offered by 74% of small firms (3-199 workers) and 94% of large firms in 2023, KFF data shows.
Verified
10Vision benefits were provided by 54% of small firms and 79% of large firms in 2023, according to KFF Employer Health Benefits Survey.
Directional
11In 2022, employer health benefits costs grew by 5.1% to $13.4 trillion nationally, per PwC Medical Cost Trend Survey.
Verified
1281% of employers with 500+ employees offered mental health benefits in 2023, up from 72% in 2021, Mercer reports.
Verified
13Average single coverage premium rose to $8,435 in 2023, with a 3% increase, from KFF annual survey.
Directional
14High-deductible health plans (HDHPs) covered 29% of workers in 2023, stable from previous years, per KFF.
Single source
1550% of firms offered wellness programs tied to health benefits in 2023, with participation incentives averaging $600, SHRM data.
Verified
16Fertility benefits were offered by 39% of large employers in 2023, doubling from 2019, according to Mercer.
Verified
17Average employer contribution to single health premiums was $7,390 in 2023, per KFF.
Verified
1867% of employers provided on-site or virtual health clinics in 2023, up significantly post-COVID, Mercer survey.
Verified
19Hearing benefits were offered by 22% of employers in 2023, a growing trend, from SHRM.
Verified
20In 2023, 45% of workers faced higher cost-sharing for specialty drugs, averaging $128 per fill, KFF reports.
Verified
21Medicare Advantage enrollment among employer-sponsored retirees reached 48% in 2023, per KFF.
Single source
2288% of large firms offered retiree health benefits in some form in 2023, down slightly, KFF data.
Verified
23Average copay for primary care visits was $25 in 2023 for covered workers, stable per KFF.
Directional
2462% of employers offered gender-affirming care coverage in 2023, up from 2022, Mercer.
Verified
25Health plan administrative costs averaged 5.5% of total premiums in 2023, from PwC.
Verified
2676% of small firms offered health insurance in 2023, with average premiums lower than large firms, KFF.
Verified
27Virtual primary care was available to 75% of large employer workers in 2023, per Mercer.
Single source
28Average annual deductible for family coverage hit $3,591 in 2023, KFF survey.
Verified
2934% of employers offered pet insurance as a voluntary health-related benefit in 2023, SHRM.
Verified
30Employer-sponsored health spending per capita grew 4.8% in 2023 to $14,270, per CMS data.
Verified

Health Benefits Interpretation

The relentless climb of health premiums now demands a king's ransom for family coverage, while workers dig deeper into their own pockets, employers scramble to offer a wider—yet often cost-shifting—array of benefits from HSAs to telehealth, and everyone nervously eyes the prescription bill, all in a frantic and expensive attempt to keep the system from crumbling under its own weight.

Paid Leave

1In 2023, private industry workers received paid sick leave from 79% of employers, averaging 7 days per year, BLS.
Single source
2Vacation leave was provided to 77% of private sector workers, averaging 14 days after one year of service, BLS 2023.
Directional
3Paid holidays averaged 8 days per year for 77% of private industry employees in 2023, per BLS.
Directional
427% of private employers offered paid family leave in 2023, up from 25% in 2022, BLS data.
Single source
5Average paid vacation after 5 years of service was 17 days for eligible workers, BLS National Compensation Survey 2023.
Single source
6Paid personal leave was available to 41% of workers, averaging 4 days, in 2023 BLS survey.
Verified
780% of state and local government workers had paid sick leave averaging 13 days in 2023, BLS.
Verified
8Under FMLA, 60% of eligible workers took leave in 2023, averaging 10 days unpaid, DOL survey.
Verified
9Paid parental leave was offered by 40% of employers for maternity (12 weeks average) in 2023, SHRM.
Verified
1023% of private firms provided paid family leave averaging 7 weeks in 2023, BLS.
Directional
11Vacation accrual after 10 years averaged 18 days for 77% of workers, BLS 2023.
Verified
12Paid bereavement leave was offered by 49% of employers, averaging 3 days, SHRM 2023.
Single source
1395% of union workers had paid holidays vs 75% non-union in 2023, BLS data.
Verified
14Average sick leave for service workers was 6 days, vs 10 for professionals in 2023, BLS.
Verified
15Paid jury duty leave covered 85% of employers, averaging full pay for 5 days, SHRM.
Directional
1630% of small firms (50-99 workers) offered paid family leave in 2023, up 5%, BLS.
Verified
17Unlimited PTO policies were adopted by 24% of tech firms but only 3% overall in 2023, SHRM.
Verified
18Paid military leave was provided by 88% of employers, averaging 20 days pay, SHRM 2023.
Verified
19Vacation carryover allowed by 67% of employers, averaging 120 hours max, BLS.
Verified
20Paid sabbaticals offered by 15% of large firms (500+), averaging 4 weeks every 7 years, SHRM.
Verified
2162% of workers used all accrued vacation in 2023, down from 70% pre-pandemic, SHRM.
Single source
22Paid civic duty leave (voting) at 72% of employers, full pay average, SHRM 2023.
Verified
23Sick leave payout upon termination offered by 27% of employers, averaging 50% accrual, BLS.
Verified
24Average paid holidays for professionals: 9 days, vs 6 for service in 2023, BLS.
Single source
25Paid caregiver leave piloted by 12% of Fortune 1000 in 2023, averaging 2 weeks, Mercer.
Verified
2678% of employers with unlimited sick leave policies in 2023, mostly small firms, SHRM.
Single source
27Vacation after 20 years averaged 22 days for long-tenured staff, BLS 2023.
Single source
28Paid volunteer leave offered by 38% of employers, averaging 8 hours/year, SHRM.
Verified

Paid Leave Interpretation

The American workplace is slowly stitching together a basic safety net of time off, but the pattern remains wildly uneven, with benefits heavily dependent on your job, tenure, union status, and the generosity of your employer.

Retirement Benefits

1In 2023, 68% of U.S. workers had access to employer-sponsored health insurance, stable from 2022, BLS data.
Verified
2Defined contribution plan participation reached 53% of private sector workers in 2022, per BLS National Compensation Survey.
Directional
3Average 401(k) account balance for workers aged 55-64 was $232,710 at year-end 2023, Vanguard How America Saves report.
Verified
489% of Fortune 500 companies offered 401(k) matching contributions averaging 4.7% of salary in 2023, per Willis Towers Watson.
Directional
5Defined benefit pension plans covered only 15% of private industry workers in 2023, down from 35% in 1990, BLS.
Verified
6Average employer match for 401(k)s was 4.3% of pay in 2023 for firms offering it, EBRI data.
Directional
7401(k) contribution limits rose to $22,500 in 2023 for under-50 workers, with catch-up at $7,500, IRS via EBRI.
Single source
8Auto-enrollment in 401(k) plans was used by 85% of large plans in 2023, boosting participation to 92%, Vanguard.
Verified
9Roth 401(k) options were available in 82% of plans in 2023, up from 73% in 2020, Vanguard.
Directional
10Average retirement account balance across all ages was $134,128 in Vanguard plans at end-2023.
Verified
1149% of workers aged 25-34 participated in DC plans in 2023, per BLS.
Directional
12Employer contributions to DC plans averaged 4.6% of pay in 2023, Willis Towers Watson survey.
Verified
13Only 52% of private sector workers had access to retirement benefits in 2023, BLS data.
Verified
14Target-date funds held 48% of 401(k) assets in 2023, per ICI research.
Verified
15Average deferral rate for 401(k) participants was 7.4% in 2023, excluding matches, Vanguard.
Verified
16401(k) loans were taken by 10% of participants in 2023, averaging $12,500, per EBRI.
Verified
17Cash balance plans covered 4% of private workers but held 20% of pension assets in 2023, BLS/ICI.
Verified
18Participation in retirement plans among state/local government workers was 90% in 2023, BLS.
Verified
19Average 401(k) balance for ages 65+ was $272,588 in 2023, Vanguard How America Saves.
Single source
2075% of plans offered Roth provisions in 2023, up 10% from 2022, Fidelity data.
Single source
21Employer stock in 401(k)s averaged 5% of assets in plans offering it, 2023 Fidelity.
Verified
22Hardship withdrawals occurred in 2.1% of accounts in 2023, per EBRI.
Single source
23DC plan assets totaled $9.6 trillion in Q4 2023, Investment Company Institute.
Single source
2483% of Vanguard 401(k) plans had automatic enrollment by 2023.
Verified
25Average match formula was 50% on first 6% deferred in 2023 plans, WTW.
Verified
26Only 30% of gig workers had retirement plan access in 2023, vs 53% traditional, BLS.
Verified
27Pension vesting averaged 5 years for cliff in DB plans, 2023 DOL data.
Verified
28401(k) fees averaged 0.57% of assets in 2023, down from 0.93% in 2010, ICI.
Single source
29Women’s average 401(k) balance was 30% lower than men’s at $112,000 in 2023, Vanguard.
Verified
3065% of employers offered financial wellness tools tied to retirement in 2023, SHRM.
Verified

Retirement Benefits Interpretation

The American workplace retirement system presents a paradox: despite widespread automation, generous matches, and rising account balances, it remains a rickety, patchwork ladder where too many are left clinging to the lower rungs or have no ladder at all.

How We Rate Confidence

Models

Every statistic is queried across four AI models (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity). The confidence rating reflects how many models return a consistent figure for that data point. Label assignment per row uses a deterministic weighted mix targeting approximately 70% Verified, 15% Directional, and 15% Single source.

Single source
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Only one AI model returns this statistic from its training data. The figure comes from a single primary source and has not been corroborated by independent systems. Use with caution; cross-reference before citing.

AI consensus: 1 of 4 models agree

Directional
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

Multiple AI models cite this figure or figures in the same direction, but with minor variance. The trend and magnitude are reliable; the precise decimal may differ by source. Suitable for directional analysis.

AI consensus: 2–3 of 4 models broadly agree

Verified
ChatGPTClaudeGeminiPerplexity

All AI models independently return the same statistic, unprompted. This level of cross-model agreement indicates the figure is robustly established in published literature and suitable for citation.

AI consensus: 4 of 4 models fully agree

Models

Cite This Report

This report is designed to be cited. We maintain stable URLs and versioned verification dates. Copy the format appropriate for your publication below.

APA
Sophie Moreland. (2026, February 13). Benefits Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/benefits-industry-statistics
MLA
Sophie Moreland. "Benefits Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/benefits-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Sophie Moreland. 2026. "Benefits Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/benefits-industry-statistics.

Sources & References

  • KFF logo
    Reference 1
    KFF
    kff.org

    kff.org

  • MERCER logo
    Reference 2
    MERCER
    mercer.com

    mercer.com

  • SHRM logo
    Reference 3
    SHRM
    shrm.org

    shrm.org

  • PWC logo
    Reference 4
    PWC
    pwc.com

    pwc.com

  • CMS logo
    Reference 5
    CMS
    cms.gov

    cms.gov

  • BLS logo
    Reference 6
    BLS
    bls.gov

    bls.gov

  • INSTITUTIONAL logo
    Reference 7
    INSTITUTIONAL
    institutional.vanguard.com

    institutional.vanguard.com

  • WTWCO logo
    Reference 8
    WTWCO
    wtwco.com

    wtwco.com

  • EBRI logo
    Reference 9
    EBRI
    ebri.org

    ebri.org

  • ICI logo
    Reference 10
    ICI
    ici.org

    ici.org

  • FIDELITY logo
    Reference 11
    FIDELITY
    fidelity.com

    fidelity.com

  • DOL logo
    Reference 12
    DOL
    dol.gov

    dol.gov

  • DELOITTE logo
    Reference 13
    DELOITTE
    www2.deloitte.com

    www2.deloitte.com

  • LIMRA logo
    Reference 14
    LIMRA
    limra.com

    limra.com

  • NAPEO logo
    Reference 15
    NAPEO
    napeo.org

    napeo.org

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