Thought Leadership Reports
Guardian Edge is your resource for the latest insights on workplace trends
The Value of Supplemental Health Insurance: How these benefits are evolving to help support holistic well-being
March 2025
Many organizations offer supplemental health products to help offset workers’ rising out-of-pocket medical costs. As these products continue to evolve, self-reported physical health may also increase among workers who own supplemental health, especially critical illness insurance.
Seeing Clearly: The role of vision benefits in supporting workforce well-being
November 2024
Vision health is a valued yet often under-protected aspect of overall well-being. This report explores how providing comprehensive and accessible vision care options can play a significant role in supporting employee wellness and the overall productivity of the organization.
Shifting the Enrollment Paradigm: Applying marketing principles to benefits communication and engagement
October 2024
Workforce well-being is at the forefront of minds for employees and employers alike, and they’re both looking to benefits as a solution. An educational and engaging communication strategy leading up to enrollment is an opportunity for employers to help improve their workers' outlook on their benefits offerings.
Thriving or Surviving: What’s behind the worsening US mental health crisis
October 2024
US workers’ mental health has declined sharply within the last decade. Guardian’s latest research report dives into why, including the impact of financial stress, the barriers to mental health care access, the influence of substance use, the loneliness that can be caused by social media, and much more.
The Power of PEO Partnerships: How professional employer organizations can help their clients support employee well-being
September 2024
With workforce well-being declining and worksite employees more reliant than ever before on their benefits, working with a PEO is an investment small companies can’t afford not to make to remain competitive and attract and retain top talent. This report explores how PEOs can more effectively position themselves as key partners to their current and prospective clients.
Paid Leave Progression: The road toward more equitable leave policies
September 2024
The expansion of state PFML laws across the US is fueling demand for paid leave as a standard employee benefit. More employers are, therefore, working to help ensure leave policies and procedures are compliant but also support parity among employees — including those who don‘t live in a state with mandated PFML — and a culture of flexibility, empathy, and well-being. This report explores the trends associated with the increase in state paid leave laws, including the potential impact to employers and how they are responding.
Next Digital Renaissance: Riding the wave of the benefits technology revolution
August 2024
Organizations are increasingly turning to technology for their HR tech as an efficient and compliant solution to manage the ever-changing world of employee benefits. The transition to digitizing benefits administration processes can offer advantages in both management efficiencies and organizational culture.
Habit to Harm: Tobacco usage and its impact on workforce well-being
August 2024
Thanks to nationwide media campaigns, smoke-free laws, and price increases of tobacco products, tobacco usage rates are down in the US. However, almost a third of working Americans use tobacco products even though most want to quit. Guardian’s 13th Annual Workplace Benefits Study report explores the latest tobacco use trends, the impact on emotional, physical, and financial health, and how benefits can support those interested in quitting.
Mind, Body, and Wallet® 2024: Addressing well-being during life’s pivotal moments
July 2024
Guardian’s 13th Annual Workplace Benefits Study examines overall trends around US adults' well-being and how it has changed, especially for segments of the workforce with unique needs including parents, caregivers, younger workers, those approaching retirement, and those living with a cancer diagnosis.
Scholarly Stress: High turnover, teacher burnout, and industry changes challenge the education sector
July 2024
The education sector has experienced significant challenges in the past few years. In this stressful era for teachers, benefits that focus on their well-being — such as flexibility and paid leave — are more valuable than ever.
Facing Financial Fragility: How changes to the economic landscape are impacting Americans’ wallets and habits
March 2024
Americans are struggling with their financial health due to a complex tapestry of societal and economic challenges. It’s contributing to self-reported financial wellness being at its lowest in the past eight years. In fact, money-related pressures have an outsized impact on overall well-being, with recent dramatic declines in workers’ self-reported financial well-being contributing to lower rates of physical and emotional health, as well.
An Ounce of Prevention: The link between preventive dental care, better oral health, and overall wellness
February 2024
Regular dental visits — and maintaining healthy teeth and gums — are an important part of preventive dental care. Research indicates that access to dental coverage through work significantly increases the use of preventive dentistry and improves oral health for American workers and their children.
Standing Up and Stepping In: A modern look at caregivers in the US
December 2023
Caregiving in America is on the rise. There’s significant room for improvement when it comes to how employers can better support caregivers and equip their workers to effectively care for their loved ones while having a productive experience at work. As demand for caregivers increases, employers can explore ways to better support caregivers so they can access helpful benefits.
Insuring Your Income: The role of disability insurance in financial wellness
December 2023
Income is essential to a household's financial security and is closely linked to overall well-being. And, along with many things that are innately important to people — health, home, and family — income is worth protecting. For a variety of reasons that range from a lack of understanding to a lack of employer-subsidized availability, however, workers don't protect their income at the kind of rates they protect their medical health, oral health, or their end-of-life circumstances.
Mind, Body, and Wallet™ 2023: Economic challenges and uncertainty take a toll on well-being
October 2023
Guardian’s 12th Annual Workplace Benefits Study shows the lowest level of overall well-being among Americans since the since the inception of this study. The report examines how workers feel about their mental, physical, and financial health, the factors contributing to it, and some insights into what workplace well-being initiatives could help organizations prepare for the future, whatever it may bring.
Prepared and Protected: How life insurance supports financial wellness for those you love
September 2023
Today, four in 10 workers say they’d face financial hardship without the benefits they receive through their employer, including life insurance. But for the past five decades, there’s been a steady decline in life insurance ownership rates among American adults, with 83% having life insurance coverage in 1975 compared to just 52% in 2023.
The Value of Leave Integration: Coordinating benefits plans and leave policies contributes to improved outcomes
August 2023
The changing work environment — along with a competitive labor market and increasing workforce mental health concerns — has been top of mind for employers when it comes to benefits and absence management strategy. Employers have made more significant strides in leave integration and expanding paid leave types to incorporate equity, with a focus on compliance and a better employee experience.
Gig Nation: Why many gig workers are financially vulnerable, despite being financially confident
August 2023
Being a gig worker appeals to many because of the autonomy, freedom, and flexibility at work that are hallmarks of the gig lifestyle. The ability to work from wherever, whenever, and for whomever one chooses has inspired many to become freelancers, making the gig economy more mainstream. However, this may be disguising a potentially precarious financial situation.
Ready, Set, Start-up: Benefits at smaller tech firms should grow along with their business
July 2023
The tech industry as a whole offers progressive benefits and a positive workplace culture. However, this does not hold true for all types of tech companies. In particular, small start-ups don’t generally offer the variety of core benefits that larger, more mature tech firms do. This report focuses on what small businesses can do to offer more benefits that impact employees’ well-being.
Benefits Optimization 2023: How supplemental health benefits and omnichannel communications support workforce well-being
June 2023
Many organizations want to better support employee wellbeing through enhanced policies and expanded resources, controlling benefits-related costs. One of the approaches employers are taking is offering more supplemental health insurance benefits options.
Quantum Leap: Real-time connectivity is the next frontier in employee benefits administration
April 2023
The digital revolution continues to alter the landscape of human resources technology (HR tech). Increasingly, technology is receiving greater attention from C-suite executives seeking to address the growing complexity of HR and benefits administration. Interest is growing for platforms that integrate employee benefits applications with payroll, talent acquisition, and workforce management solutions.
Small and Resilient: Prioritizing workforce well-being in a challenging economic environment
March 2023
Small businesses are, arguably, the lifeblood of the US economy. They employ just under half (46%) of working Americans. However, many small businesses that managed to survive the pandemic are still struggling —facing challenges of economic uncertainty, low worker well-being, and employee turnover. To prepare for the future during economic instability, small firms should consider how they can more actively support their employees, so they retain them.
Financial confidence flourishes with business owners
November 2022
Business owners are financially savvy and, in general, display high financial confidence and understanding. While risk and reward is inherent in the entrepreneurial spirit of being a business owner, their confidence generally derives from efforts taken in self-education and working with a trusted advisor to position themselves on a path to prosperity.
The PEO advantage: How PEOs are driving better business results and employee well-being
November 2022
This report from Guardian's 11th Annual Workplace Benefits Study examines the growth of PEOs, how organizations are using them, and the advantages and challenges of working with them. In an environment of “quiet quitting” and as the hiring market picks up post-COVID, employers are keen to offer as competitive a benefits package as possible while controlling costs. Evaluating whether PEO membership may be right for them could be a key part of that strategy.
Scholarly stress: Staff shortages, little flexibility, and lack of meaningful benefits creates concern in the education industry
October 2022
The unmanageable workloads, attrition among peers, and failure to hire enough staff in all school positions are so prevalent that educators are more likely than workers in other industries to leave the profession or retire early. Learn more about the benefits outliers within the education industry — where it leads, where it lags, and the sector's greatest challenges.
New era, new values: Workers seek empathy and flexibility in a post-pandemic work world
September 2022
The past two years have brought a series of monumental events to the world. It’s become apparent to employers that their old model of benefits is no longer sufficient. This shifting landscape is reflected in employers' challenges about what their organizations will face in the year ahead.
The Path Forward: Managing employee absence beyond the pandemic
August 2022
Guardian’s latest research looks at the current landscape of absence management and offers insights into how employers have adapted leave programs during COVID-19. While employers have shown improvement in adopting leave management best practices over the past decade, many organizations were hindered from making further improvements to their leave management during the pandemic as they dealt with labor shortages and legal and regulatory demands.
Workforce State of Mind: How mental health challenges in the workplace demand more resources and investment
August 2022
Both personal and workplace lifestyles have changed significantly in the past few years, shining a light on mental health awareness and making it a key topic for employers to address. Guardian’s 11th Annual Workplace Benefits Study discovered that mental health challenges in the workplace demand more resources and investment from organizations than ever.
Future Accommodations: Supporting the well-being of workers with permanent disabilities in a post-COVID era
July 2022
While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we work, some of the advancements in flexibility, remote work accommodations, and enhanced leave have contributed positively to overall well-being. Workers with permanent disabilities are among the segments that have benefited from these accommodations. This report from Guardian's 11th Annual Workplace Benefits Study looks at the well-being of workers with disabilities and how employers can take steps toward inclusivity today.
The Gender Confidence Gap: The state of women’s financial and emotional confidence
June 2022
The Guardian Study of Financial and Emotional ConfidenceTM discovered that women identify as less financially and emotionally confident than men. Much of this is due to a lack of financial literacy, but it is also because women are more likely to act as caregivers for children or family members in addition to their full-time work, which affects income. This brief explores the financial behaviors and habits of women, as well as behaviors to help put them on their own path to prosperity.
Dental Fundamentals: In-demand benefits that support well-being
May 2022
The last few years have brought renewed consumer appreciation for dental benefits. Our latest research reveals the most in-demand dental plan options for businesses to consider.
Benefits Optimization: How supplemental health benefits and omnichannel communications support workforce well-being
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 11th Annual - April 2022
The need for benefits that help employees protect both their financial and physical wellness is more important than ever. Learn what to prioritize in your supplemental health benefits program and how to communicate to employees during enrollment to set yourself up for success.
Path to prosperity
The Guardian Study of Financial and Emotional Confidence™ – March 2022
Income is not the sole driver of financial confidence and success. This report explores the model behaviors that help put individuals on their own path to prosperity.
Mind, Body, and Wallet: Workforce well-being in the pandemic era
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 10th Annual – January 2022
The pandemic has impacted workers’ health across the board – mentally, physically, and financially. Learn about the current state of America’s workforce and how employers are shifting to address well-being.
Inflection Point: How small businesses are emerging from COVID-19
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 10th Annual – November 2021
Small businesses have been among the hardest hit during the COVID-19 pandemic. This report looks at where small businesses and their workforce base are today and explores what strategies they may adopt as they move forward.
Inflection Point: The impact of COVID-19 on oral health and dental benefits
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 10th Annual - September 2021
This special report geared to brokers and employers explores how the dentistry benefits landscape is evolving to improve access to all employees and what digital communication trends we should expect to see in coming years.
Inflection Point: The impact of COVID-19 on the practice of dentistry
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 10th Annual - September 2021
In 2020, nearly 9 in 10 dentists experienced increased operating costs and reduced revenue due to the pandemic. But dental practices are working now to find their footing again. Learn how the dentistry industry is poised to recover even stronger than pre-pandemic.
Inflection Point: How COVID-19 is reshaping the employee benefits paradigm
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 10th Annual - June 2021
Explore how the COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated workplace and benefits trends, including well-being, benefits technology, paid leave management, and flexible work arrangements.
Absence Management Redefined: During the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond
Guardian Absence Management Activity Index & Study - January 2021
Eight in ten employers say that COVID-19 has raised senior leadership awareness of the importance of leave management. Throughout the pandemic, states continued to propose and pass their own paid leave laws. Learn about how these challenges led to several emerging leave trends for employers.
Digital Overdrive: The market is ready for the next milestone in benefits technology innovation
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 9th Annual - January 2021
Find out more about how benefits technology advancements and digitization are shaping the ways that employers manage their resources.
Archived Thought Leadership Reports
This archived material is for informational purposes only; the information provided was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be current.
Dental Benefits 2020: Maintaining oral health during COVID-19 and beyond
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 8th Annual - August 2020
Learn how the pandemic has influenced oral health care habits, attitudes toward teledentistry, and feelings about returning to the dentist.
Workforce 2020: Meeting the benefits needs of today’s diverse workforce in a changed world
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 8th Annual – July 2020
Learn how to develop workplace diversity inclusion strategies by focusing on the needs of four key workforce communities: family caregivers, single parents, people who identify as LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer), and people with disabilities.
Workforce 2020: Women's well-being
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 8th Annual – July 2020
Learn more about how organizations can help support women by establishing policies and providing access to benefits and resources that promote flexibility and contribute to improved health and productivity.
Risk Redirect: Using Group Accident & Disability Insurance to Reduce Illegitimate Workers' Compensation Claims
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 7th Annual – February 2020
Learn how employers can help avoid instances of workers’ compensation abuse by offering group accident and disability insurance.
Coming into Focus: The Role of Vision Benefits and Eye Care in Health & Wellness
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 7th Annual – December 2019
Examine U.S. trends in vision health, the correlation between eye health and overall wellness, and how vision benefits positively impact eye care behavior and self-reported vision health.
Vaping in America: Use Among Working Adults in 2019
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 7th Annual – September 2019
Explore usage trends based on demographics, the potential impact of vaping on oral health as well as how the latest headlines may affect the future of vaping.
Protecting Those We Love: The Role of Life Insurance in Financial Wellness
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 7th Annual – Financial Wellness Series, Part 3, Sept 2019
Examine trends in life insurance ownership, the lack of adequate coverage (especially those who only have coverage through work) and the financial impact of insufficient coverage when tragedy strikes.
What Employees Want: Benefits that drive engagement and retention
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 6th Annual – August 2019
Learn how employers are getting creative in offering benefits that best meet the needs/wants of their workforce to drive engagement and retention.
The Value of Leave Management Integration
2019 Guardian Absence Management Activity Index & Study, June 2019
Employers are achieving positive outcomes by prioritizing absence management and focusing on a holistic, integrated approach.
Income Protection: The Role of Disability Insurance in Financial Wellness
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study 6th Annual – Financial Wellness Series, Part 2, May 2019
When it comes to protecting income, many working Americans overlook the need to make it a priority.
An Ounce of Prevention: The Benefits of Regular Dental Visits
Dental Thought Leadership, 2019 Research Brief, May 2019
Explore how a small amount of preventive dental care can improve oral health and enable earlier diagnosis of serious conditions.
College Debt in America: The Case for Tuition & Loan Repayment Benefits
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study 8th Annual - Financial Wellness, Part 1, Feb 2019
Read our report to see why more employers are making the case for tuition and loan repayment benefits.
The Future of Dentistry: Improving America’s Oral Health and Wellness
Thought Leadership - Insights and Perspectives, January 2019
How will the landscape of dentistry shift under changing demographics, evolving healthcare models, and new medical knowledge?
Small Business, Big Benefits
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 5th Annual – October 2018
This new report examines how market forces are prompting small businesses to address workforce well-being and adopt technology to upgrade the employee benefits experience.
Game Changer: The Digitalization of Employee Benefits Delivery
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 5th Annual, January 2018
Guardian’s workplace benefits study examines the dramatic rise of benefits technology solutions.
Dental Benefits: A Bridge to Oral Health & Wellness
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 5th Annual, January 2018
Learn how dental benefits contribute to employee satisfaction, overall health and cost reduction.
The Next Generation of Work
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 5th Annual – October 2017
The automation revolution is transforming American jobs and future skill requirements.
Part-Time Nation
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 4th Annual, July 2017
The “gig economy” leaves some working Americans financially vulnerable – especially compared to full-time workers who have access to insurance and retirement benefits at the workplace.
Raising the Bar on Employee Leaves Practices and Outcomes
2017 Guardian Absence Management Activity Index and Study, March 2017
Research insights on how employers are raising the bar on employee leave practices and outcomes.
Mind, Body, and Wallet: Workforce Wellbeing
Workplace Benefits Study, 4th Annual – February 2017
Learn how financial, emotional, and physical stress factors are affecting employees’ well-being, and what employers can do to help.
Benefits Balancing Act
Workplace Benefits Study, 4th Annual, January 2017
Employers seek new strategies for addressing cost, administration, and compliance pressures while improving workforce well-being.
Closing the Gap
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 4th Annual, October 2016
Addressing the employee benefits IQ of working Americans as a path to improving financial well-being.
A Crack in the Foundation
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 4th Annual, Sept 2016
Working Americans rely on their benefits for financial security. But, out-of-pocket medical expenses are taking a toll.
Rethinking Responsibility and Strategy for Employee Benefits
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 3rd Annual, June 2015
Trends and insights to help you understand how employers and employees value workplace benefits.
An Employer Path To Success
2015 Guardian Absence Management Activity Index and Study, March 2015
Learn trends, activities and outcomes of absence management, including how to start and improve programs.
The Value of Benefits In A Changing Environment
2014 Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, 2nd Annual – February 2014
Market trends regarding working American’s shifting attitudes toward employee benefits.
A Roadmap for Increasing Employee Workplace Productivity
2013 Guardian Absence Management Activity Index and Study, March 2013
Activities to consider which can increase employee workplace productivity.
The Perceived Value of Benefits Among Today’s Working Americans
Guardian Workplace Benefits Study, First Annual – September 2012
Guardian establishes a metric to gauge the perceived value of employee benefits among working Americans, following the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act.