
3 minute read
Can Estate Planning Reduce Employee Financial Stress? The Data Says Yes.
Estate planning gives employees clarity, control, and peace of mind—reducing financial stress tied to the unknown.

Staff Writer, @Trust&Will
Trust & Will
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Get StartedFinancial stress is one of the most insidious productivity killers in today’s workplace. Not just because it impacts employees’ wallets, but because it can drain their mental energy, focus, and overall well-being. Our research shows financial anxiety at an all-time high, with 49 percent of Americans more concerned about their financial future than they were last year.
Employers lose billions each year on lost productivity attributed to financial anxiety. One of the most effective tools to help alleviate, not just manage, financial stress may be surprising: estate planning.
At Trust & Will, we’ve seen firsthand how putting a plan in place for the future can bring immediate peace of mind. Here’s why it matters and why forward-thinking employers are starting to take notice.
Financial Anxiety in the Workplace
There is really no escaping the news in today’s ever-connected world, making financial anxiety more present than ever. According to one survey, employees lose up to three hours per week dealing with money matters during work hours. Other surveys show that employees burdened by financial worries are more likely to experience burnout, increased absences, and poor performance.
So when it comes to benefits, traditional offerings like 401(k) matches and debt counseling help—but they don’t address the root of stress triggered by uncertainty over family, medical emergencies, or legacy planning. That’s where estate planning comes in.
The Estate Planning Gap: A Cause of Stress
Despite being a crucial part of financial security, estate planning remains elusive for most Americans. According to Trust & Will’s own demographic data, only 31 percent of U.S. adults have a will, and just 11 percent have a trust. Shockingly, 55 percent have no estate plan at all.
Without an estate plan, families are more likely to face probate—a costly court process that can last for years in some cases. That financial and emotional burden adds unnecessary strain during a difficult time. In contrast, 90 percent of Trust & Will members who completed their Will reported a strong sense of trust and relief, showing that taking control of your legacy reduces uncertainty and restores peace of mind.
For employees, that translates to fewer distractions, greater confidence, and less day-to-day stress—making estate planning a meaningful tool for financial wellness.
How Estate Planning Alleviates Financial Stress
Financial stress often stems from uncertainty—about the future, about loved ones, and about the unknown. Estate planning helps eliminate that uncertainty by offering:
1. Certainty in Life’s Unknowns: Medical crises, accidents, or unexpected death can shake even the most grounded individuals. A comprehensive estate plan covers key protections such as:
A will to designate asset distribution
Power of Attorney for financial and medical decisions
Advance Health Care Directive for medical preferences
Guardianship to protect loved ones
Trusts for asset management, and probate avoidance
2. Protection for Loved Ones: Estate planning often resonates with employees managing child expenses, elder care, and pets. Within our research, 50 percent of respondents cite protecting loved ones as a top reason for needing an estate plan.
3. Mental Load Reduction: Imagine juggling caregiving decisions for a parent, managing student loan payments, and leaving some financial legacy—all while at work. Incorporating estate planning into benefits sends a powerful message: you’re seen, and we’re here to help you secure tomorrow. Being proactive about an estate plan means employees can focus on work at work, knowing their families and loved ones are secure.
4. Overall Financial Wellness: Estate planning helps create a clear, organized strategy for managing and protecting assets, both now and in the future. It empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their finances, ensures their wishes are honored, and reduces the risk of costly legal complications—especially during emergencies or after death.
Estate Planning as an Employer-Led Benefit
Estate planning is an increasingly relevant addition to today’s employee benefits landscape. According to Trust & Will’s 2024 survey, over 76 percent of members were completing a will for the first time, and more than 75 percent of those who didn’t complete theirs cited the process as confusing or inconvenient. This points to a widespread need—and opportunity—for employers to step in. By offering estate planning benefits, companies can help employees overcome these common barriers, turning a typically overwhelming task into an accessible, empowering experience.
Offering this kind of support during major life moments—like starting a family, buying a home, or navigating caregiving responsibilities—demonstrates that your organization is invested in your employees’ full lives, not just their 9-to-5. That kind of care builds loyalty, reduces stress, and creates a stronger, more engaged workforce.
Why Trust & Will Is the Ideal Partner
Trust & Will specializes in making estate planning accessible, affordable, and employee-friendly. Our digital platform guides users through easy-to-understand, legally sound tools—covering wills, trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives. Add-on features like our Digital Safe and shared access ensure employees have organized peace of mind to last a lifetime.
Whether you’re rolling out estate planning during onboarding, open enrollment, or a major life-event campaign, integrating Trust & Will shows that your organization sees the whole person. Our solutions seamlessly plug into benefits programs, and our Partnerships Team supports adoption through employee communications, educational sessions, and milestone integrations.
As the data shows, the lack of estate planning isn’t just a legal oversight—it’s a major driver of financial stress that seeps into the office. By offering estate planning as part of your financial wellness benefits, you can help employees reduce mental load, gain clarity, and build security for both today and tomorrow.
With Trust & Will’s digital-first tools and employer-focused solutions, bringing estate planning into your benefits lineup is simple, affordable, and impactful. When employees feel protected, they’re more present, engaged, and ready to drive the business forward.
Interested in partnering with Trust & Will? Reach out to our Partnerships Team to learn how estate planning can reshape your financial wellness strategy—starting now.
Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.