Findings from Work and Worth report.
Across generations, lack of clarity around pay, promotions, and financial direction is delaying some of the most defining milestones of adulthood. When employees don’t know what comes next at work, they struggle to invest emotionally or financially in what comes next in life.
- 75% of Gen Zers say lack of clarity around pay or career progression has delayed at least one major life decision.
- Millennials are 3.5 times more likely than Gen Xers and 25 times more likely than baby boomers to say that career and pay ambiguity have caused them to delay starting or expanding a family.
- More than half of all employees (56%) say lack of employer transparency has affected major milestones like buying a home, getting married, or relocating.
- Retirement is about 40 years away for Gen Zers, yet they're almost as worried about clarity impacting their ability to retire as the older generations are.
- Baby boomers: 30%
- Gen Xers: 24%
- Millennials: 19%
- Gen Zers: 22%
- Not being able to plan for life moments like moving, being able to retire, making a large purchase, and getting married due to ambiguity doesn’t only impact employees’ ability to plan—it negatively impacts their overall well-being, as well.
“Clarity at work isn’t just about career progression - it’s foundational to financial confidence. When people understand how decisions are made and what their path could look like, they’re better equipped to plan, invest, and move forward in the moments that matter most.”
Sri Reddy
Senior Vice President of Retirement and Income Solutions, Principal®
What’s next?
