Latest news with #WorkforceStateofMind
Epoch Times
12-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Early Retirement vs. Delayed Retirement: Which Is Right for You?
There is no doubt that retirement is one of life's most significant milestones. Most people dream about it from the moment they get their first paycheck. However, deciding when to retire is important. After all, some people count down the days until early retirement. However, some stay in the workforce well into their sixties or even seventies. The thing is, there's no universal 'right time' to retire. You will want to determine the appropriate timeline for you, depending on your lifestyle, financial health, career satisfaction, health status, and personal goals. Our goal is to help you decide what path is right for you by comparing the pros and cons of early and delayed retirement. What Is Early Retirement? The term 'early retirement' refers to leaving the workforce before the traditional retirement age of 65. Especially for those who are following the FIRE movement (Financial Independence, Retire Early), this could mean retiring in their 50s or even their 40s. Pros of Early Retirement You will have more time for yourself The most significant advantage of early retirement is the amount of time you will have. While still relatively young and healthy, early retirees can enjoy traveling, spending time with family, volunteering, and pursuing hobbies. There is less work-related stress As reported in Headspace's annual Workforce State of Mind report, 86 percent of workers experienced moderate, high, or extreme stress last year. Among respondents with extreme stress levels, 83 percent said their stress is primarily related to their work. However, early retirement frees you from the daily grind, corporate pressure, and long commutes. For those in high-stress or physically demanding jobs, retiring early can benefit their mental and physical health. An opportunity to explore new ventures You don't have to stop working when you retire early. This could be your chance to start a passion project, freelance, or consult—but on your own terms. Cons of Early Retirement Financial strain Approximately 56 percent of Americans lack a solid financial plan for their post-working years, according to Allianz Life's 2024 Annual Retirement Study. Suffice it to say, a significant downside of early retirement is the increased financial burden. Your savings may need to stretch over an extended period, and you may not be eligible for Social Security or Medicare immediately. As a result, you must rely heavily on personal savings, investments, or private insurance. Loss of work-related benefits Once you leave the workplace, your employer's health insurance, life insurance, and retirement contributions are no longer available. You might have to spend a lot of money replacing them out of pocket. Risk of boredom or identity loss Early retirement can profoundly impact the sense of identity of people who are devoted to their careers. When boredom sets in, routines or meaningful engagement become impossible. What Is Delayed Retirement? Delayed retirement usually refers to working after the traditional retirement age of 65. Some people do this out of necessity, while others enjoy the structure and challenges of their work. Pros of Delayed Retirement Improved financial security The longer you work, the more time you have to save, pay down debt, and delay withdrawals from retirement accounts. This could result in a more comfortable retirement lifestyle. In addition, delaying Social Security can significantly increase your monthly benefit. Access to employer benefits If you stay employed, you will continue to receive health insurance, a 401(k) match, and other difficult-to-replace benefits. Sense of purpose Work can provide structure and intellectual stimulation and also provide a sense of community. In many cases, delaying retirement allows people to maintain mental sharpness and remain socially connected. Cons of Delayed Retirement Health risks Even if you are in great shape now, there is no guarantee that you will remain healthy in the future. If you delay retirement, you might miss years of active living while still physically capable. Less time for enjoyment Working longer makes you less likely to travel, indulge in hobbies, and spend time with loved ones. Occasionally, health issues or unforeseen circumstances may lead to regret about this trade-off. Job market challenges Older workers may face ageism or have difficulty adapting to rapidly changing technology or industry trends. As a result, it may be harder to remain competitive or find new opportunities when necessary. Financial Considerations: A Crucial Part of the Decision Whether you retire early or late, financial readiness is a huge part of the equation. To solve this, you should ask yourself the following questions: Do I have enough savings to support myself for 20, 30, or even 40 years of retirement? How am I going to cover my healthcare costs? Have I taken into account inflation and market downturns? Can I cover my expenses with my income streams (Social Security, pensions, investments)? By creating a retirement budget and consulting a financial advisor, you can determine whether early retirement or delayed retirement is more feasible. Lifestyle and Personal Goals Finances aside, you should also consider how you want to spend your time. Do you have any travel plans on your bucket list? Is mentoring or volunteering appealing to you? Are you enjoying your current job or counting the minutes until you can quit? Can you step away from your professional identity emotionally? In general, early retirees prioritize lifestyle and freedom, while those who delay retirement may place more value on routine and stability. In the end, it's up to you to decide what feels right for you. Health and Longevity Although health conditions are unpredictable, your present physical and mental state can help you make an informed decision. So, if you're experiencing health issues now, early retirement could help relieve your symptoms and give you more free time. On the other hand, if you're thriving at work and enjoy it, continuing may enhance your mental engagement and wellbeing. It's important to remember that the longer you work, the more likely you are to have health issues. As such, having a backup plan is always a good idea. The Middle Ground: Semi-Retirement Don't want to commit to a full stop? You may want to consider a phased approach. In semi-retirement, you can reduce work hours, switch to freelance work, or transition into a less demanding position. With it, you can enjoy some of the freedom of retirement while maintaining your professional engagement and earning income. This is a popular option for those who would like to remain active but not burn out. Final Thoughts: Which Path Is Right for You? There is no one-size-fits-all solution to retirement. In addition to offering freedom and flexibility, early retirement offers the chance to enjoy life while you're young. However, careful financial planning and emotional preparation are essential. On the flipside, delayed retirement brings financial stability, continued purpose, and often better benefits—but it can mean less leisure time. Think about the following questions as a guide to your choice: Is it possible to retire now and still live comfortably for decades? Is my job still enjoyable, or is it wearing me down? How do I envision my retirement? What are my health conditions, and how might they affect my retirement? Retirement isn't just about stopping work. It's about taking on a new phase of life with intention. So, whatever path you choose, make sure it supports your values, goals, and well-being. The key to retiring is to do so on your terms, whether you do so early, late, or somewhere in between. Related Stories 4/11/2025 3/5/2025 By John Rampton The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors. They are meant for general informational purposes only and should not be construed or interpreted as a recommendation or solicitation. The Epoch Times does not provide investment, tax, legal, financial planning, estate planning, or any other personal finance advice. The Epoch Times holds no liability for the accuracy or timeliness of the information provided.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Headspace 2025 Workforce State of Mind Report Highlights Rising Employee Mental Health Needs and the Power of Workplace Connection
Study reveals 58% of employees have considered quitting due to mental health struggles Report underscores the critical role of community, boundaries, and scalable mental health solutions—including AI—in supporting employee wellbeing SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 19, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Headspace, the provider of the world's most accessible, comprehensive mental health solution, today announced the launch of its seventh annual Workforce State of Mind report, revealing new findings on the perceptions of HR leaders and workers on mental health. Based on a global survey fielded between November 2024 and January 2025, the report compiles insights from more than 2,000 workers in the U.S. and the UK on trends impacting their mental and physical health at work. The report also includes input from nearly 250 HR leaders, highlighting the unique stressors faced by employee benefits decision-makers. Headspace's new research indicates that employees need mental health support now more than ever before: 58% of employees have considered quitting their job as a result of their mental health, and 40% of workers report having taken a mental health leave of absence. At the same time, however, healthcare costs continue to rise in an economically tenuous time, and many companies have been forced to reduce health and wellness costs. "Our research shows that 95% of employees report feeling better after using employer-provided mental health benefits. And we know that when employees feel better, they're more engaged, productive and invested in their work," said Lisa Mulrooney Gross, Chief People Officer at Headspace. "At a time when many organizations are facing tough financial decisions surrounding their benefits programs, it's critical that we don't lose sight of what's proven to drive both employee wellbeing and organizational performance. Investing in end-to-end mental health support isn't just a nice-to-have—it's a business imperative that directly impacts the bottom line." Key findings from the report include: Employees work a 5-9 shift in addition to their 9-5, with middle managers struggling the most to set boundaries. 71% of employees report working outside of their expected schedule at least weekly, and 75% report being available as needed–even when taking time off from work. 62% of executives feel very comfortable enforcing boundaries with work, while only 38% of middle managers and 41% of individual contributors feel the same. 92% of employees report that their sleep is negatively impacted by work at least occasionally. The loneliness epidemic is driving a desire for community and connection at work. Over half (57%) of U.S. employees–and 75% of remote workers–report having cried at work, signaling how isolating work stress can be. The top benefits that employees said would make them more likely to stay at a job were employee-sponsored team and culture building, as well as professional development and upskilling. Nearly 60% of those involved in employee resource groups (ERGs) said they feel a greater sense of belonging and psychological safety within their company, and 45% have found a community and built connections within ERGs. Organizations are seeking scalable mental health solutions, leading HR leaders to be optimistic about the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in mental health benefits. 94% of HR leaders are interested in offering mental health benefits that use AI. 89% of employees would feel comfortable using mental health benefits that leverage AI. "Organizations must prioritize mental health by fostering a culture of connection, prevention, and balance. At Microsoft, we recognize that wellbeing isn't just about support in times of crisis; it's about creating an environment where employees have the tools to support their mental health every day," said Kristen Roby Dimlow, Corporate Vice President, Global Talent Acquisition, Total Rewards and Performance at Microsoft. "By investing in initiatives that destigmatize mental health, encourage employees to set healthy boundaries, and recharge when needed, we empower our teams to navigate challenges with resilience." In addition to a comprehensive overview of the survey data, Headspace's 2025 Workforce State of Mind report features guidance for leaders to address employee mental health challenges, along with free mental health resources from Headspace's Mindfulness at Work collection. To download the report, visit About Headspace Headspace is your lifelong guide to better mental health. We make mental health support accessible to everyone, no matter their background or experience. Through our flagship Headspace app, we provide mindfulness and mental health tools for everyday life, like guided meditations, sleepcasts, mindful movement, and mental health coaching. Our enterprise offerings combine this experience with EAP and work-life services, as well as therapy and psychiatry services – all in a single destination. Our team of experts ranges from mental health clinicians to Emmy award-winning producers, and data scientists, working together as one to help millions of people around the world be healthier and more productive. To learn more, please visit View source version on Contacts Sara LindseyDirector of CommunicationsHeadspacepress@ Sign in to access your portfolio
