The economic impact from the pandemic is having a profound effect on how U.S. workers think about their jobs, financial goals and retirement. The recent Voice of the American Worker Survey from Franklin Templeton's Retirement Innovation Initiative delved into not only what workers think but the implications for employers.

Americans are rethinking work. The combination of COVID-19 and social/political upheaval has made it more important than ever for employers to align with employees on all aspects of their lives, not just work.

• A sizeable majority (67 percent) have reassessed what they want from their employers because of COVID-19.
• Forty-four percent of U.S. workers have considered leaving or have left their jobs during the past year.
• When considering a new job opportunity, employees rate the importance of salary and benefits nearly equally, with 84 percent of respondents noting the importance of "benefits that help my financial well-being."
• Sixty-four percent of employees also believe that the shifts brought about by the pandemic have changed the employer-employee relationship for the better.
• However, most employees (64 percent) also agree that their employers could be doing more in terms of providing up-to-date and valuable benefits.

Key takeaway: There has never been a more urgent time to evaluate benefit offerings and consider ways to support employee needs. Turnover is at an all-time high as many adapt a "grass-is-greener" mentality. Having a deep understanding of the current mindset of the American worker will help employers consider how best to meet their expectations.