The newest edition of the Pulse of the Workforce explores the reality of frontline work in America, revealing a truth that most leaders miss.

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Drawing on insights from over 5,000 workers across industries, the report examines how frontline workers - the estimated 60-80% of the U.S. workforce who interact directly with customers, patients, products, and essential systems - experience dignity, leadership, and change at work.

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The report shows that frontline workers report higher levels of respect and effective leadership than office workers. 84% say they are treated with dignity at work compared to 70% of office workers, and 72% rate their managers as effective leaders compared to just 60% in non-frontline roles. This contradicts nearly every assumption executives make about what's broken on the frontline.

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At the same time, the data reveals a striking paradox: while frontline workers experience strong day-to-day leadership, they face profound structural insecurity. 63% are concerned about their current employment situation, and only 44% have access to employer-provided health insurance - despite 89% valuing it.

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Meanwhile, 85% are concerned about AI replacing jobs, yet only 34% use AI in their daily work compared to 67% of office workers. Fear is high while exposure and preparation remain limited.

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The January 2026 report highlights that frontline leaders are translating values into culture more effectively than most executives realize - yet organizations are failing to address the structural gaps that create anxiety and instability for this critical workforce.

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"Frontline leaders demonstrate humanity at work more consistently than almost any other leadership cohort," said Dr. Sumona De Graaf, Founder and CEO of idealis. "They translate values into day-to-day culture in ways that many executive teams overlook. At the same time, the data shows clear gaps in job security, benefits, and AI preparation that leaders must address. You can't sustain dignity without addressing structural security."

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At idealis, we work with CEOs, boards, and executive teams to help organizations translate workforce data into action, building systems where performance and humanity reinforce each other - especially for the majority of the workforce that shows up in person every day.

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Access the full report, Voices From the Frontline: What Leaders Miss, to explore data and insights shaping how organizations lead, support, and invest in frontline talent.