Survey: Employers Navigate Benefits Complexity 

Employee benefits are a critical but increasingly complex part of doing business, especially as technology evolves and regulations change.  

New research from The Hartford highlights how the role of human resources professionals has changed in recent years.  

The insurer’s 2026 Future of Benefits Study found that nearly three-quarters (73%) of respondents have seen their day-to-day responsibilities increase. 

“Benefits are not a product-specific checklist anymore, but rather an important way to meet the comprehensive needs of U.S. workers,” said Mike Fish, The Hartford’s head of employee benefits.

In addition to overseeing traditional benefits administration, HR professionals must now navigate a patchwork of state and federal leave laws, manage relationships with multiple insurance carriers, and ensure that employees understand and can access their benefits when they need them. 

Regulatory Burden

The survey underscored the significant regulatory burden facing employers. 

Sixty‑eight percent of employers said state and federal laws make their work more complex, and another 60% said they worry about maintaining compliance. 

Half of U.S. workers are unsure if they can afford future healthcare.

“As the regulatory focus has shifted from federal Family and Medical Leave Act mandates to a patchwork of state-level requirements, employers’ compliance burdens have intensified,” the study notes. 

The survey also revealed the impact of rising healthcare costs. 

Researchers found that half of U.S. workers are unsure if they can afford future healthcare.  

Complexity, Costs

Employers said they struggle to maintain a compelling benefits package amid rising premium costs. 

The survey found that nearly two-thirds (64%) of HR professionals reported challenges with managing multiple carriers.  

“The study highlights the need for integrated solutions from insurers; these solutions should support the intricacies of HR technology, convey the benefits of digital tools to employers and provide training and support for HR professionals and employees to bolster benefits engagement,” Fish said. 

“Organizations of all sizes are carefully evaluating their benefits offering.”

The Hartford’s Mike Fish

One of the key challenges for employers is ensuring employees understand their benefits.  

The survey found educating employees is a challenge for 79% of employers. 

To improve the open enrollment experience, researchers said many employers use digital tools and AI, while 58% of smaller businesses rely on brokers for guidance.  

“Organizations of all sizes are carefully evaluating their benefits offerings and, at the same time, looking for the best ways to attract and retain workers,” said Fish.   

Embracing Technology

As benefits and regulations become more complex, the role of HR professionals is evolving—increasingly centered on simplicity and cost considerations. 

Technology is also becoming more central to benefits administration and employee engagement. 

More than half (54%) said technology and benefits platforms are “highly influential” when selecting benefits.  

85% of employers are exploring how to most effectively utilize AI in the workplace.  

Artificial intelligence is also playing a larger role for employers. 

A majority (85%) said they’re exploring how to most effectively utilize AI in the workplace.  

At the same time, 95% said while they want digital tools for simple, transactional tasks, they want a human for sensitive and complex issues. 

The Hartford’s 2026 Future of Benefits Study surveyed 500 HR professionals who manage or decide employee benefits.