While more than half of business leaders are more optimistic about their businesses’ survival and growth this year, many feel under greater stress than last year, according to the 2026 C-Suite Stress Index Survey by Sentry and conducted by Wakefield Research.
According to the research, more than half (54%) of U.S. executives are confident their company will survive—and thrive—in 2026, but 60% report feeling more stressed than last year.
“Our research reinforces the same concerns expressed by our policyholders as they head into 2026,” says Jeff Cole, AVP of national accounts at Sentry. “These concerns may be having a direct impact on decision-making. For example, we’re noticing a reduction in payroll growth, which is a strong indicator of the concern about what 2026 may bring.”
“Customers are concerned about the impact of tariffs on their own supplies and production equipment,” says Brett Hoopingarner, national sales director, direct writer and life and annuities at Sentry. “In the past, many customers opted for inflation guard coverage of 2–4%, but due to the uncertainty around tariffs, many customers are asking for an inflation guard of 8–10% or more.”
Key takeaways:
· Among top business risks in 2026 are supply chain or logistics challenges (45%) and economic pressures (44%). Executives are also concerned about tariffs and trade uncertainty (39%), labor shortages (38%), rising employee healthcare costs (38%), and cyberattacks (37%).
· Lawsuits have affected 93% of organizations in the past five years, often driving up insurance premiums and legal costs. Additionally, nearly seven out of 10 executives (69%) believe a single multimillion-dollar verdict would likely put their company out of business. Yet, fewer than one in five (17%) include lawsuits among their top risks heading into 2026.
· A similar disconnect appears around severe weather and other natural catastrophes. Nearly all businesses (92%) have experienced some kind of weather-related disruption in the past five years, and 50% of executives believe the next major weather event or natural catastrophe could force their company to close entirely. And still, less than one-third (32%) cite natural catastrophes among their top threats for 2026.
· A significant majority (84%) of executives are asking more of employees, including tasks outside their roles, above their level, or for which they haven’t been trained. At the same time, more than half (51%) are calling on employees to work longer hours or take fewer breaks.
· The vast majority (83%) of leaders plan to increase investments in worker safety, with more than three-fourths (78%) hoping to increase retention or support recruitment.
· Nearly all executives (97%) are feeling the impact of an older population and shifting retirement age. Two-thirds (66%) of executives have either already seen an influx of unskilled or under-skilled workers lead to more claims, or are concerned it will happen soon. As the population ages and average retirement age increases, nearly half (46%) of executives say the aging population is driving increased healthcare expenses.
· Nearly all executives (98%) are planning to reevaluate their company’s insurance policies this year, and the vast majority (83%) are not completely confident their insurance coverage is adequate. Even with concerns, more than half plan to maintain their current coverage.
