Introduction

The second annual Brown & Brown Employer Health and Benefits Strategy Survey, 2026, gathered responses from 1,241 employers with at least 200 US-based employees across a wide variety of industries and regions. Analysis of the results highlights a benefits landscape shaped by rising costs, evolving workforce needs and a growing emphasis on innovation and sustainability.

Finding themselves in this landscape, employers re-emphasized controlling costs for both employee and employer by moving it to the top of their strategic priorities. Attracting and retaining a healthy and engaged workforce, the top priority in last year’s survey, dropped to number three (Figure 1).

Survey Respondents

• 1,241 employers responded to the survey
• 200+ participating employers have at least 200 US-based employees

Employee Benefits Team