1 in 3 U.S. workers do not have a legacy plan in place

COLUMBUS, Ga., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Preparing for the future can help families provide clarity and support during some of life's most difficult moments. The Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study conducted among 1,000 adult employees in the U.S., and published by Aflac, the leading provider of supplemental health insurance in the U.S., finds that most American workers recognize the importance of having critical planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney and advance healthcare directives. That said, many have yet to take key steps to prepare, potentially leaving loved ones to manage the crucial emotional, financial and administrative challenges to be handled on their own. For those who've experienced the loss of a loved one and navigated the responsibilities that followed, the study found that nearly half (45%) say the emotional impact was the most overwhelming aspect of the experience, while 43% report difficulties handling financial matters. Also concerning is that 74% say the experience affected their productivity at work.

"No one can fully prepare for the emotional impact of losing a loved one, but this study shows that readiness is not simply about documents or finances; it's about helping families navigate an already difficult period with greater clarity," said Scott Beeman, divisional president, Aflac Premier. "Many people recognize the importance of planning but are unsure where to begin or feel overwhelmed by the process. At Aflac, we believe support should extend beyond insurance coverage alone. By planning ahead and providing access to meaningful support through our work with Empathy, Aflac is here to support better outcomes for workers, their employers and loved ones."

Among those who have managed a loved one's affairs, the study further identified additional unexpected challenges that can arise during an already difficult time, including 37% struggling to balance responsibilities with work demands and 40% struggling with funeral and memorial arrangements.

The study also found a growing demand for practical guidance, digital tools and professional support that help individuals move from awareness to action. This preparedness gap is reflected in additional key findings from the survey, including:

• 95% say it is important to make end-of-life matters easier for their loved ones.
• 79% would be likely to use a care manager to help navigate end-of-life matters.
• 77% say having a last will and testament is important, yet only 57% have one.
• 71% say a power of attorney is important, but only 50% have completed one.
• 67% say advance healthcare directives are important, while only 54% have them in place.
• 38% of respondents who have documented end-of-life preferences don't believe their loved ones know exactly where to find them.

Workers need support turning awareness into action
Awareness of end-of-life planning is high, yet many workers face barriers that prevent them from taking action. Workers across generations most often cite uncertainty about where to begin, perceived complexity, cost concerns and discomfort discussing end-of-life topics as reasons for delaying or avoiding planning activities. More than half of respondents indicated that simple, step-by-step guidance would make them more likely to complete important estate-planning activities.

Aflac provides guidance to help workers prepare for the future and navigate the loss of a loved one with Empathy
For Aflac, meaningful support means being there for employees at every stage of the plan. Providing greater value, the company partners with Empathy, a leading technology company transforming the way people plan for and navigate life's toughest moments. Through this collaboration, Aflac provides covered employees with legacy planning and bereavement support today and extends that same bereavement support to their beneficiaries alongside the payout.

"Aflac's research confirms what we see across the industry: People know why planning matters, but too many don't know where to start, and that gap only widens in life's hardest moments," said Ron Gura, co-founder and CEO of Empathy. "That's the thinking behind full-circle care at Empathy, support that meets people before a crisis and stays with them through it. Aflac has been a long-standing partner in that vision, and this research reinforces what we've seen firsthand: Real, connected support doesn't just help people; it redefines what a benefit like life insurance can be."

The 2026 Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study results are available at no cost to workers, families and employers seeking to better understand the importance of life insurance and legacy planning, particularly their effects on personal and workplace well-being.

"Although no plan can lessen the loss of a loved one, this study serves as a reminder that planning for the future is ultimately an act of care, providing clarity, confidence and peace of mind when important decisions must be made," Beeman said. "And for employers, offering end-of-life planning resources represents an opportunity to support employees' wellness while fostering a resilient workforce capable of balancing job responsibilities and managing the affairs of a loved one."

To learn more about the study, download the report here.

ABOUT THE 2026 AFLAC LIFE INSURANCE AND LEGACY PLANNING STUDY
The Aflac Life Insurance and Legacy Planning Study was conducted in partnership with Kantar Profiles Division between May 29 and June 9, 2026. The study surveyed 1,000 employed U.S. adults to assess levels of understanding, education, preparedness and experiences related to life insurance, estate planning, end-of-life planning and managing a loved one's affairs after death.