Study Reveals Critical Need for Integrated Legal and Identity Protection Benefits

• 56% of employees face legal challenges outside their place of employment, 77% experience identity theft or cybersecurity issues
• Among employees that experienced a legal issue, 94% reported experiencing related stress; with one-third describing their experience as “extremely stressful”
• 61% require time off work to deal with legal issues
• 57% of employees indicate stronger job loyalty when legal benefits are available

ADA, Okla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--A comprehensive new study by LegalShield reveals that legal challenges and identity theft threats have become major workplace disruptors, with 56% of employees facing legal matters and 77% experiencing identity theft or cybersecurity issues in the past year. The research, conducted with over 1,000 full-time U.S. employees, highlights the growing need for integrated legal and identity protection benefits in modern workplace benefits packages.

"Our research demonstrates that legal and identity theft challenges represent real costs for employers, negatively impacting workplace productivity and employee well-being," said Emily B. Rose, LegalShield's president of business solutions. "Providing legal and identity theft benefits is a smart business strategy giving employees comprehensive protection, creating peace of mind, boosting engagement and helping companies retain top talent."

Key findings from the study include:

• Among respondents who obtained a lawyer to handle their matter, 78% spent over $500 on Attorneys’ fees, creating financial strain
• 42% say identity theft concerns affect stress levels at work
• 58% report increased job satisfaction when legal benefits are available and 57% indicate stronger job loyalty
• 65% indicate higher job satisfaction – and 62% increased job loyalty – with identity protection benefits

The study also revealed a significant protection gap, with 26% of employees having no legal protection and 34% relying on expensive pay-as-you-go legal services. It uncovered a need for both preventative and reactive legal assistance, the most-requested legal services include will preparation and estate planning (57%), family law services (38%), and real estate matters (26%).

LegalShield's legal and identity theft protection solutions provide comprehensive coverage through a proprietary network of provider law firms, 24/7 emergency access, and Licensed Private Investigators for identity restoration. Through simple payroll deduction, employees gain access to affordable legal and identity theft protection services that enhance workplace productivity and peace of mind.

For more information about LegalShield's legal and identity protection benefits, visit here.

About LegalShield:

For more than 50 years, LegalShield has provided everyday Americans with easy and affordable access to legal advice, counsel, protection, and representation. Serving millions, LegalShield is one of the world’s largest platforms for legal, identity, and reputation management services protecting individuals and businesses across North America. Founded in 1972, LegalShield, and its privacy management product, IDShield, has provided individuals, families, businesses, and employers with tools and services needed to affordably live a just and secure life. Through technology and innovation, LegalShield is disrupting the traditional legal system and transforming how and where people receive legal guidance and services, with access to hundreds of qualified, trusted attorneys and law firms. LegalShield and IDShield are products of Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc. To learn more about LegalShield and IDShield, visit LegalShield.com and IDShield.com.