The 2026 Lockton National Benefits Survey shows cost has become the dominant driver of employer benefits strategy, with 54% prioritizing cost reduction—up sharply from prior years—while talent attraction declines in importance. Employers are actively searching for solutions but have not converged on a single approach, instead testing a range of strategies across plan optimization, network design, eligibility management, and pharmacy benefits. Adoption varies, with some leveraging high-performance networks or condition management programs, while more disruptive tactics remain limited or exploratory. Despite rising pressure, employee impact remains critical, with 81% of employers factoring it heavily into decisions, highlighting the ongoing balance between cost control and maintaining competitive, supportive benefits.

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