Use data, benchmarking and AI to build a smarter, more human-centered benefits strategy for 2027.

Authors: Kathleen Schulz Scot Marcotte Megan Stavros

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As employers plan for 2027, they're facing a growing list of challenges. Healthcare costs continue to rise, employee expectations are evolving, HR teams are being asked to do more with less, and AI is changing how organizations think about work, benefits and employee support.

To help employers navigate these changes, Gallagher's latest Strategy Session explores findings from our 2026 US Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey, which includes responses from more than 3,700 organizations. The session examines how employers can use data, benchmarking and AI to make more informed decisions while creating a better employee experience.

The discussion goes beyond trends and statistics to focus on practical questions employers are asking today, including:

  • How can organizations better understand what's driving healthcare costs?
  • What role should data play in benefits planning?
  • Are employees overwhelmed by too many benefits, or do they simply need better guidance?
  • Where can AI help improve the employee experience and support decision-making?
  • How can organizations balance technology, trust and human support?

Throughout the session, Gallagher experts share real-world examples and survey insights to help leaders evaluate their benefits strategy, improve employee engagement and prepare for what's ahead.

Key themes include:

  • Using data and benchmarking to validate benefits and workforce strategies
  • Identifying opportunities to manage healthcare costs more effectively
  • Improving benefits navigation and employee decision support
  • Understanding where AI can create value today and where human guidance still matters most

Employees may not need more benefits. They may need a better way to understand and use them.

The future of benefits isn't about choosing between technology and human support. AI can help organizations analyze data, personalize information and simplify benefits navigation, but employees still need trusted guidance when decisions are personal and complex. The most effective strategies leverage both technology and human expertise to create a more informed, confident and connected employee experience.

AI can help with:
  • Speed
  • Search
  • Personalization
  • Pattern spotting
  • Recommendations
Humans still lead with:
  • Empathy
  • Trust
  • Judgment
  • Coaching
  • Complex decisions

29% cite employee trust as an AI barrier.1

Whether you're focused on controlling costs, improving the employee experience or evaluating AI's role in your organization, this session offers practical ideas and actionable takeaways for the year ahead.

Ready to learn how employers are using data, technology and AI to make smarter benefits decisions?

Watch "The Data-Driven Future: Benchmarking Benefits and the Rise of AI" on demand today.

WATCH ON DEMAND

Author Information

Kathleen Schulz

Kathleen Schulz

Global Innovation Leader, Organizational Wellbeing, Gallagher

Scot Marcotte

Scot Marcotte

Chief Technology Officer, Talent Consulting, Gallagher

Megan Stavros

Megan Stavros

Area Vice President, Technology & Enrollment Consulting, Gallagher

Sources

1 Gallagher, 2016 US Benefits Strategy & Benchmarking Survey

2 Gallagher, Organizational Wellbeing Poll 2: Affordability, All Industries, August 2026

Disclaimer

Consulting and insurance brokerage services to be provided by Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. and/or its affiliate Gallagher Benefit Services (Canada) Group Inc. Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. is a licensed insurance agency that does business in California as "Gallagher Benefit Services of California Insurance Services" and in Massachusetts as "Gallagher Benefit Insurance Services." Neither Arthur J. Gallagher & Co., nor its affiliates provide accounting, legal or tax advice.