Groundbreaking Research Reveals Critical Need for Comprehensive Employee Protection Benefits
A recent study by LegalShield has uncovered that legal issues and identity theft are significantly impacting workplace productivity and employee well-being. The research, conducted among over 1,000 full-time U.S. employees, highlights the growing necessity for integrated legal and identity protection benefits in modern workplace benefits packages.
The study revealed that 56% of employees face legal challenges outside their workplace, while 77% have experienced identity theft or cybersecurity issues in the past year. Among those who encountered legal issues, 94% reported related stress, with one-third describing their experience as “extremely stressful.” Consequently, 61% required time off work to address these legal matters.

Key findings from the research include:
- 78% of respondents who hired a lawyer spent over $500 on attorney fees, creating significant financial strain
- 42% reported that identity theft concerns affect their stress levels at work
- 58% indicated increased job satisfaction when legal benefits were available, with 57% showing stronger job loyalty
- 65% reported higher job satisfaction, and 62% increased job loyalty with identity protection benefits
The study also uncovered a substantial protection gap: 26% of employees had no legal protection, while 34% relied on expensive pay-as-you-go legal services. The most requested legal services included will preparation and estate planning (57%), family law services (38%), and real estate matters (26%).
LegalShield’s legal and identity theft protection solutions offer comprehensive coverage through a network of provider law firms, 24/7 emergency access, and licensed private investigators for identity restoration. Employees can access these affordable services through simple payroll deduction, enhancing workplace productivity and peace of mind.
As Emily B. Rose, LegalShield’s president of business solutions, noted, “Our research demonstrates that legal and identity theft challenges represent real costs for employers, negatively impacting workplace productivity and employee well-being. Providing legal and identity theft benefits is a smart business strategy that gives employees comprehensive protection, creates peace of mind, boosts engagement, and helps companies retain top talent.”
For more information about LegalShield’s legal and identity protection benefits, visit their website.