The Importance of Financial Wellbeing Support in The Workplace
Did you know 60% of workers report feeling anxiety about their finances? A lack of financial wellbeing support not only impacts personal life but also the workplace – affecting productivity and overall job satisfaction.
What Is ‘Financial Wellbeing’?
Financial wellbeing does not simply mean having lots of money! Financial wellbeing means an individual feels in control of their finances, can meet their personal commitments and feel secure about their future. When employees lack financial stability, the resulting stress can impact their mental and physical health, leading to decreased performance at work.
Why Is Financial Wellbeing Support So Important In The Workplace?
Improved Productivity
Financial stress has a significant impact on productivity. Employees affected by their financial worries are more likely to be disengaged and make errors at work. By offering financial wellbeing support, companies can help employees focus better and perform at their best.
Employee Retention and Recruitment
Offering financial wellbeing programs can also be useful in recruitment and helps to attract the best employee talent. Employees are more likely to want to work with an employer who cares about their overall wellbeing, including their financial health.
Reduced Absenteeism
Financially stressed employees are more prone to absenteeism or presenteeism (being at work but not fully functioning). Addressing their financial concerns through financial wellbeing programs can reduce these issues, leading to a healthier, more productive workforce.
So What Can You Offer?
Financial Education Workshops
These sessions provide employees with practical knowledge on many financial topics from the basics of budgeting to retirement planning and understanding your pension. Empowering employees with financial skills helps them manage their money better, reducing stress.
One-on-One Financial Coaching
Offering access to one-to-one meetings with a financial expert can make a significant difference. Personalised guidance like our Money Guide Service helps employees tackle specific financial challenges, such as debt or retirement planning.
Debt Management Guidance
Debt can have a significant impact on financial wellbeing of employees. Knowing how to manage conversations around debt and where to signpost employees is crucial. Charities such as StepChange can offer your employees free support to help them regain control of their finances.
How To Implement Financial Wellbeing Support
Check in with your employees and find out which support they would find most useful! You could do this virtually via surveys and polls or even ask face to face. Then choose interventions which suit your workforce’s demographics and challenges. By addressing financial stress, organisations can improve productivity, enhance employee loyalty, and create a healthier work environment improving overall success.