Background: In March 2022, Principal Financial Group surveyed nearly 1,000 consumers and 215 plan sponsors in the U.S. to explore their concerns and actions surrounding saving for retirement and financial behaviors related to current events. Amid recent inflation and market volatility, this survey shows many U.S. workers are seeking less lavish retirements.Findings: American workers cite saving enough for retirement as their top financial priority, replacing dreams of a lavish retirement with simpler goals of maintaining their current standard of living amid ongoing market volatility and inflationary pressures. For most workers the promise of retirement at career-end is an exciting reward.Additionally, workforce issues continue to plague employers. Workers appear to find their work meaningful and are satisfied with their current jobs, but 47% would still consider leaving if it meant a higher salary.Bottom line: Workers aren’t dreaming about lavish retirements. In fact, most just want to maintain their current standard of living and be able to splurge here and there, likely impacted by the top stressors, concerns in retirement, and debt levels.Workers have a positive outlook on their physical, mental, and social health, but financial health is lagging, likely because of debt and lack of good financial habits established early on. Employers can communicate more about financial wellness programs and help employees take advantage of their benefits. Looking at top stressors can help employers address concerns and align work and benefits to help with recruitment and retention efforts.