More areas to watch in 2026
AI
While interest in AI is growing and is a greater HR workforce priority, many employers have not yet implemented AI within their benefit programs.
IMPLEMENTING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RELATED TO EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PROGRAMS
Source: 2026 Lockton National Benefits Survey
AI in HR: Three use cases & key considerations
From sharper data insights to streamlined operations and more intuitive employee experiences, AI has huge potential to help HR teams deliver value and be more efficient. When building and leveraging AI within your HR function, it’s critical to understand opportunities across data, operations, and personalization while deploying responsibly through thoughtful planning, governance, and ethical safeguards.
GLP-1s
of respondents, regardless of GLP-1 coverage status, indicated that they do not have an overall GLP-1 coverage strategy. This highlights a market largely reacting to pressure rather than operating from a long-term plan.
Even among employers that have adopted GLP‑1 coverage, commitment is mixed and, in some cases, reversing.
- 73% of plan sponsors are not covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
- 27% of plan sponsors are covering GLP-1 medications for weight loss.
Employers not covering GLP‑1s for weight loss
- 47% are not covering and not considering coverage.
- 19% are not currently covering but are considering coverage.
- 7% previously covered GLP‑1s but have since removed coverage.
Employers covering GLP‑1s for weight loss
- 22% are covering GLP‑1s with no plans to remove coverage.
- 5% are covering but considering removing coverage.
COVER GLP-1 MEDICATIONS FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Source: 2026 Lockton National Benefits Survey
Why holistic GLP-1 strategies are needed now
GLP-1 costs are rising, utilization is increasing, and new formulations and indications are entering the market. Meanwhile, employers are making key GLP-1 decisions against a backdrop of broader health plan cost pressures and worsening population health.
Employers need a coordinated, long-term approach that moves beyond access and cost alone to focus on real outcomes, sustained engagement, and financial sustainability.
These findings suggest a market characterized by:
- High uncertainty and experimentation.
- Coverage decisions driven by near‑term cost pressure rather than outcomes.
- Limited infrastructure to support appropriate use, engagement, and long‑term sustainability.
