A New Lens on Workforce Investments for 2026

And what “getting ahead” really means to frontline workers

As we kick off 2026, we know many of you are facing a familiar New Year challenge: expectations are high, resources are finite, and every workforce investment has to count. In this context, one question is bound to surface: how can you best evaluate which investments will provide the strongest ROI in terms of workforce performance, retention, and satisfaction.

If you’ve known WorkLife Partnership for a while, you’re likely familiar with the monthly data and insights we share to support this decision-making. What may be less visible is the additional work we do to broaden the perspectives we share with you: regular, facilitated conversations with frontline employees that help us dig into what’s shaping their day-to-day work and life experiences.

From topics ranging from economic uncertainty and employee benefits, to perceptions of financial mobility and respect at work, what makes this effort distinct is not just the depth of discussion, but the purpose: translating lived experience into practical insight that can help employers better target limited dollars, avoid misaligned investments, and strengthen the effectiveness of workforce decisions.

One of the most revealing insights from recent conversations is how frontline employees describe financial and economic progress in their own words. Rather than framing “getting ahead” in terms of major milestones, workers often described progress as building the ability to withstand shocks and recover from setbacks.

Personal goals included training and advancement at work, but were equally focused on withstanding unexpected expenses, handling life disruptions with confidence (and options), and simply having a bit more time and energy for the important people in their lives.

For employers, this adds an important dimension to how employee investments are evaluated and points to a clear win-win: when employers invest in programs that can help reduce the strain and stress workers carry into the workplace, they see gains in focus, attendance, and performance. And workers experience something just as powerful: the feeling that they are finally getting ahead.

Are there topics you’d like workers’ perspectives on as you build your 2026 game plan? We’d love to hear your ideas. Please reach out to Brianna Huber to share your suggestions.