As Employers Plan for Growth, Workforce Pressures Continue to Mount

Gallagher’s 2026 US Talent Benchmarks report shows employers expecting revenue growth while facing high turnover, capacity constraints and complex AI adoption.

Rhea-AI Summary

Gallagher (AJG) released its 2026 US Workforce Trends Report – Talent Benchmarks, based on responses from more than 3,700 US employers, highlighting growing workforce pressures amid planned business growth.

The report finds that 63% of employers had annual turnover of at least 10% in 2025, and while 61% expect revenue growth by 2027, only 50% expect headcount growth, underscoring capacity constraints. AI use in HR is set to expand, with 73% likely to increase adoption by 2028 and 71% already having AI fully or partially operationalized. However, 29% cite concerns about eroding employee trust and 72% cite data privacy and security as top AI barriers, while only 45% have conducted ethical impact assessments.

Market Context

AJG was down 4.28% before publication, placing the workforce report against a weaker pre-headline po...

Analysis

AJG was down 4.28% before publication, placing the workforce report against a weaker pre-headline position. A related Aug 12 benefits benchmark release had a recorded 0.77% 24-hour reaction, a historical comparison rather than a causal pattern.

Key Figures

Employer responses: More than 3,700 employers Turnover rate: 63% Expected revenue growth: 61% +5 more

Employer responses

More than 3,700 employers

2026 US Workforce Trends Report

Turnover rate

63%

Employers reporting annual turnover of 10% or higher in 2025

Expected revenue growth

61%

Employers anticipating revenue growth by 2027

Expected headcount growth

50%

Employers expecting workforce headcount to increase

Planned AI adoption increase

73%

Employers likely to increase AI adoption by 2028

AI operationalization

71%

Employers that fully operationalized AI or implemented it in parts of the business

AI return period

28 months

Average time employers expect AI returns to outweigh implementation costs

Data privacy and security concern

72%

Employers citing it as the top AI concern

Historical Context

1 past event · Latest: Aug 12

1 event

1. Aug 12

   Benefits benchmark findings

   24h Move

   +0.8%

   Reported employer benefits findings on healthcare costs, pharmacy spending, governance, and workforce planning.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Gallagher's 2026 US Talent Benchmarks report highlights how turnover, workforce capacity constraints and AI-driven change are shaping organizational effectiveness

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Sept. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Workforce challenges remain top of mind as employers pursue growth with constrained teams, elevated turnover and increasing pressure to adapt to new technologies, according to Gallagher's 2026 US Workforce Trends Report – Talent Benchmarks. Based on responses from more than 3,700 US employers, the report examines the trends influencing employee engagement, retention and organizational effectiveness.

Among the report's most notable findings:

• Retention has become a business challenge, not just an HR concern. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of employers reported annual turnover rates of 10% or higher in 2025.
• 61% of employers anticipate revenue growth by 2027, while only 50% expect workforce headcount to increase; a gap that highlights growing workforce capacity pressures.
• More than half (57%) of employers conducted an employee engagement survey in 2024 or later, yet many are still working to turn employee feedback into meaningful action.
• AI use in HR is expected to expand, with 73% of employers likely to increase adoption by 2028.
• Even as AI adoption grows, trust remains a challenge. Nearly one-third (29%) of employers cite concerns about eroding employee trust as a barrier to adoption.

"The data show that many organizations are navigating a difficult balancing act," said John Tournet, US CEO of Gallagher's Benefits & HR Consulting Division. "Business leaders are pursuing growth while managing cost pressures, workforce capacity constraints and retention challenges. Organizations that succeed will be the ones that focus on the fundamentals: helping managers lead effectively, creating realistic workloads and ensuring employees understand how their work contributes to organizational goals."

Employers are preparing for a future in which AI plays a larger role in how work is performed and decisions are made. While 71% of employers have either fully operationalized AI or implemented it in parts of the business, the findings suggest successful adoption will require clear communication, strong governance and practical support for employees and managers.

"As AI becomes more integrated into day-to-day work, organizations are recognizing that technology alone isn't enough," added Tournet. "The focus is increasingly shifting from implementation to helping employees and managers use AI with confidence, strengthen decision-making and support more effective ways of working."

Additional findings from the report include:

• Retaining talent ranks as a top HR priority for 57% of employers and a top operational priority for 39%, reflecting the growing business impact of workforce turnover.
• Manager effectiveness remains one of the strongest drivers of employee engagement, with organizations focusing on clearer goal-setting, transparent communication and more timely feedback.
• Nearly three-quarters of organizations that have implemented AI are measuring return on investment, though employers expect it will take an average of 28 months for AI returns to outweigh implementation costs.
• Data privacy and security remain the top AI concern, cited by 72% of employers, while only 45% have conducted ethical impact assessments related to AI use.

ABOUT THE REPORT
Gallagher's 2026 US Workforce Trends Report – Talent Benchmarks reflects survey responses from 3,717 US employers collected from January through March 2026 and provides benchmarking data and insights across employee engagement, AI and organizational effectiveness.

ABOUT GALLAGHER
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG), a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services firm, is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Gallagher provides these services in approximately 130 countries around the world through its owned operations and a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

CONTACT:
Mary Schwartz, Gallagher
847.378.5893
mary_schwartz@ajg.com

 

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SOURCE Gallagher

FAQ

What is the scope and purpose of Gallagher’s 2026 US Workforce Trends Report – Talent Benchmarks?

The 2026 US Workforce Trends Report – Talent Benchmarks analyzes how turnover, workforce capacity constraints and AI-driven change influence employee engagement, retention and organizational effectiveness, using survey responses from more than 3,700 US employers.

How are employers using and measuring artificial intelligence according to the report?

The report indicates that 71% of employers have AI either fully operationalized or implemented in parts of the business, nearly three-quarters of those organizations are measuring return on investment, and employers expect AI returns to outweigh implementation costs after an average of 28 months.

What HR and operational priorities around retention and management did the report identify?

The report shows that retaining talent is a top HR priority for 57% of employers and a top operational priority for 39%. Manager effectiveness is highlighted as a strong driver of engagement, with organizations focusing on clearer goal-setting, transparent communication and more timely feedback.