Nearly half (48%) of U.S. workers believe they'll need at least $1 million to retire comfortably—up from 37% in 2024 -- according to a new report from Betterment at Work. The report is based on a survey of 1,000 respondents who were full-time employees, representing Boomers (10%), Gen X (35%), Millennials (41%) and Gen Z (14%). More than half (52%) worked fully in office; 27% were hybrid workers; and 17% worked fully remotely.

Overall, workers across generations are grappling with record levels of day-to-day stress. But retirement outlooks vary considerably depending on who you ask—Gen Z's optimism contrasts with Gen X's growing caution, while women and Boomers are more likely to consider delaying retirement. These generational and gender divides reflect a broader tension: a growing disconnect between what employees expect from their financial futures and what their current savings behaviors can realistically deliver, according to the report.

Key findings include:

• Financial anxiety among workers has steadily climbed over the last 5 years, from 71% in 2022 to 90% in 2025.
• Inflation (65%), credit card debt (40%), and housing costs (31%) are the top stressors.
• Despite this, 71% still feel at least somewhat confident they'll be able to retire comfortably.
• 48% of workers expect to need over $1 million to retire, up from 37% in 2024; only 27% expect to actually reach that goal.
• 54% of workers have considered delaying retirement, with higher rates among women (58%) vs men ) 48%).
• Gen Z is the most confident about retirement (88%), yet the most anxious about day-to-day finances (73%).
• Gen X is the least confident (61%) they'll have enough saved to retire.

To download the full report, “Retirement Readiness: Annual Report 2025,” click here