What’s shaping retirement readiness in healthcare?

October 15th, 2026 – Rising healthcare costs, everyday financial pressures and evolving employee expectations are prompting healthcare employers to take a closer look at how they support workers' financial well-being. Retirement benefits play an important role in that effort, according to new research from Transamerica.

Findings from the company's 17th annual “Retirement Plan Trends in Healthcare” survey highlight the importance of financial wellness resources, personalized guidance and new approaches to helping employees prepare to live their best lives—now and in retirement.

The survey also identifies trends influencing the future of workplace benefits, including the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) and an increased focus on helping employees turn retirement savings into retirement income.

Retirement readiness starts with today's financial realities

Today's financial challenges are influencing how employers approach retirement readiness.

Healthcare employers identified healthcare costs, cost-of-living pressures and basic money management among the most pressing financial concerns facing employees. In response, many organizations are expanding financial wellness offerings with resources designed to support both immediate financial needs and long-term retirement goals.

Personalized support remains a priority

Making retirement planning easier to navigate can be just as important as the features offered through a retirement plan.

Survey respondents pointed to opportunities for clearer communication and more personalized support. Many indicated employees need simplified education and guidance that makes retirement benefits easier to understand.

That emphasis is reflected in the widespread use of one-on-one meetings, virtual education sessions and other resources aimed at helping employees better understand their retirement options.

For many healthcare employers, helping employees understand their options remains an important part of supporting retirement readiness.

AI adoption remains in the early stages

AI is beginning to influence how healthcare organizations operate, though many employers are still in the early stages of adoption.

Survey respondents generally view AI as a tool for improving efficiency and productivity, using it to automate routine tasks, streamline workflows and support day-to-day operations. Most reported that AI is changing how employees work rather than reducing workforce size, although many organizations continue evaluating its long-term implications.

From retirement savings to retirement income

Many healthcare employers are focused on helping employees prepare not only for retirement, but for life after retirement.

In addition to traditional investment options, lifetime income solutions are drawing interest as a way to help provide more predictable income during retirement. The findings point to a broader focus on helping employees save for retirement and turn those savings into income throughout retirement.

Looking ahead

As workforce needs, technology and employee expectations continue to evolve, healthcare employers are expanding how they think about retirement readiness. For many employers, that means balancing immediate financial concerns with long-term planning. From financial wellness resources and personalized guidance to retirement income solutions, the findings point to a common goal: helping employees navigate today's financial realities while building confidence about the future.

Retirement Plan Trends in Healthcare gathered responses from 100 healthcare organizations ranging from individual facilities to state, interstate and regional healthcare systems across the United States.