Sharon, thank you for this column. It's a great look at how the job market has changed in the last 20+ years. I forget what the statistic is on what percent of workers have what we considered usual benefits from our employer (healthcare, retirement, vacation) - and I believe it is well under 50%. Would love to know the real facts! I really appreciate your framing the 4 loyalties.
Page, I am so grateful that you continue to read what I am writing. Here’s what I found in my data review for the piece that would answer your question (with data source).
This is a great question, and the numbers are more sobering than most people expect. Among private-sector workers in the U.S. as of March 2025, access breaks down like this:
Health coverage: 72% are offered it (though only 45% actually enroll — cost is the usual reason)
A retirement plan of any kind: 72% — mostly 401(k)-style; only 14% still have a traditional pension
It’s worth noting that "access" only means the benefit exists — it doesn't mean people can afford to use it. That gap is a lot of what this piece is about.
Sharon, thank you for this column. It's a great look at how the job market has changed in the last 20+ years. I forget what the statistic is on what percent of workers have what we considered usual benefits from our employer (healthcare, retirement, vacation) - and I believe it is well under 50%. Would love to know the real facts! I really appreciate your framing the 4 loyalties.
Page, I am so grateful that you continue to read what I am writing. Here’s what I found in my data review for the piece that would answer your question (with data source).
This is a great question, and the numbers are more sobering than most people expect. Among private-sector workers in the U.S. as of March 2025, access breaks down like this:
Health coverage: 72% are offered it (though only 45% actually enroll — cost is the usual reason)
A retirement plan of any kind: 72% — mostly 401(k)-style; only 14% still have a traditional pension
Paid vacation: 80%
So roughly one in four private-sector workers has no employer health coverage or retirement plan on offer at all. Source if you want to dig in: https://www.bls.gov/news.release/archives/ebs2_09252025.htm.
It’s worth noting that "access" only means the benefit exists — it doesn't mean people can afford to use it. That gap is a lot of what this piece is about.