New Research From The Standard Finds Women Struggle to Balance Near Term Financial Pressures With Saving for the Future

February 3, 2026

Research shows employers can strengthen retention among women by expanding access to income-protection benefits.

PORTLAND, Ore. - Standard Insurance Company (The Standard) has released new research revealing that female employees are more likely than their male counterparts to shoulder the combined financial pressures of protecting their households from unexpected expenses while trying to save for retirement. The findings show that women place a high value on benefits that safeguard their income and reduce financial risk, yet many lack access to the specific programs that would help them plan confidently for the future.

Results from the survey show a 13-point margin between men's and women's confidence in saving for retirement. Women in the study were more likely than men to prioritize saving for emergencies, paying down debt and managing daily expenses. As a result, they often feel forced to delay or reduce retirement contributions, despite 64% saying they highly value retirement plans.

"Meeting women where they are regarding workplace benefits means portfolio offerings must have enough range and flexibility to accommodate the varying financial goals of all employee populations," said Melissa Oliver-Janiak, vice president of Total Rewards and HR Mergers and Acquisition Strategy at The Standard.

Key findings from The Standard's proprietary research include:

• Short-term pressures dominate: Women are more likely to prioritize saving for emergencies, paying debt and making ends meet over long-term financial planning.
• Significant benefit gaps: For women, the difference between valuing voluntary benefits (accident, critical illness, cancer and hospital indemnity insurance, etc.) and having them can be as large as 48 percentage points.
• Medical debt plays a role: Women are more likely than men to carry medical debt, driven in part by childbirth-related expenses and lower average income.
• Retirement readiness concerns: Only 40% of women say they are saving enough for retirement, compared to 53% of men. Yet, more women value having retirement plans compared to men.
• Employer access matters: Most women rely on their employer for voluntary and disability benefits - meaning employer offerings directly shape their financial security.

Considerations for employers:

• Expand access to income-protecting benefits: Offering voluntary benefits such as disability, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity insurance - even as employee-paid - can help women manage financial risk without increasing employer costs.
• Connect benefits to real financial concerns: Engage women in conversations about their financial priorities, not just their benefit preferences.
• Support retirement readiness: Provide tools, education and plan designs that help women balance short-term needs with long-term savings.
• Strengthen financial well-being programs: Resources that address medical debt, emergency savings and budgeting can reduce stress and improve engagement.

As Oliver-Janiak notes, the stakes are clear: "When women feel financially secure today, they're better able to plan for tomorrow. Employers who invest in benefits that meet women's real-world needs will see stronger retention, higher morale and a more resilient workforce."

For more information and to access the research, visit standard.com.

Survey Methodology

On behalf of The Standard, a third-party research firm conducted a 15-minute online survey of 5,000 participants, most of whom currently receive some employee benefits.

• Fielded: ~70% women (3,468) and ~30% men (1,523)
• Ages: 18 - 70
• Field dates: March 10 - 27, 2025

About The Standard

Established in 1906, The Standard is a family of companies dedicated to helping customers achieve financial well-being and peace of mind. We are a leading provider of financial protection products and services for employers and individual customers. Our products include group and individual disability insurance, group life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group dental and group vision insurance, absence management and paid family leave services, retirement plans products and services and annuities for employers and individual customers. For more information about The Standard, visit standard.comand follow us on LinkedInand Instagram.