The Employer’s Role in Easing Financial Strain to Promote Mental Wellness

Financial stress is a pervasive issue that significantly impacts individuals’ mental health, a sentiment echoed in recent statistics. A Bankrate survey from April 2023 unveiled that 52% of U.S. adults acknowledge money as a negative influence on their mental health — particularly in terms of inducing stress.

This topic has become particularly relevant in the tumultuous economic landscape of recent years. Recently, CNBC found that 74% of currently employed Americans are worried about their personal finances, while 61% feel they are living paycheck to paycheck.

The disquietude stemming from monetary woes is not an isolated issue, but one that seeps into the workplace — potentially hampering productivity and engagement. A 2018 Financial Health Network survey reported that 78% of employees experiencing significant financial strain felt distracted by it at work. This predicament has propelled forward-thinking employers to seek innovative solutions, nurturing a culture of financial wellness as a linchpin to bolstering mental health.

The concept of financial mentoring is being championed by influential business leaders like Asim Hafeez, Owner and Operator of Empower Energy Solutions. In his article for HR Daily Advisor, Hafeez outlines his perspective on managerial obligation: “As a manager, you owe employees more than fair compensation. You owe them the skills and resources to make sound decisions with that salary.” This ethos resonates as a clarion call for a shift toward proactive financial mentoring aimed at equipping employees with the requisite tools to navigate their financial landscape, thus alleviating the accompanying stress.

In a parallel vein, the dialogue around augmenting employee benefits is gaining traction. A blend of human and digital financial wellness tools as part of a wider benefits package is being touted as a pragmatic strategy to assuage financial concerns. Kraig Kleeman, a seasoned entrepreneur and founder of The New Workforce, articulates the potential impact of such initiatives: “Money worries can amp up your stress levels, make you feel down, and generally mess with your happiness — but employers can help out. They can provide money advice, counseling, and more flexible work options. By creating a vibe where it’s okay to talk about money troubles, they can make life easier for their employees and keep everyone happier and more chill at work.”

The subtext is clear: fostering a conducive environment where financial discussions are destigmatized could be a game-changer in ameliorating the mental strain borne out of financial anxieties.

Moreover, tangible benefits, such as retirement plan options, are emerging as significant stress alleviators. According to a 2023 Gallup poll, a notable 71% of employees report feeling “at least moderately worried” about affording their retirement, spotlighting a crucial area where employers can step in to mitigate financial stress. This sentiment is mirrored by Trent Griffin-Braaf, CEO and founder of Tech Valley Shuttle, who promotes practical support through financial literacy initiatives: “Quarterly, I bring in banks and do financial literacy presentations with my team. The presentations discuss lines of credit, how to open accounts, 401ks, and more.” Griffin-Braaf’s approach delineates a hands-on strategy, addressing financial stress by empowering employees with the knowledge and resources to take charge of their financial futures.

Craig Goodliffe, CEO and founder of Cyberbacker, describes a proactive approach: “Financial stress can have a profound impact on mental health, and employers play a crucial role in addressing this issue. At Cyberbacker, we recognize the diverse sources of financial stress, such as family members falling ill. In such instances, we offer opportunities for individuals to make donations, providing support during unique and challenging circumstances.”

“Moreover, we believe in prevention through education,” Goodliffe adds. “Many instances of financial stress result from poor money management habits. To combat this, we offer straightforward budgeting classes to equip our employees with essential financial skills. Employers must understand the significance of addressing financial stress and its impact on the mental well-being of their workforce. Cyberbacker takes a proactive approach — providing both support during crises and education to prevent financial stress — creating a healthier, more stable work environment.”

The Financial Health Network survey also revealed that 74% of individuals believe that it is necessary for an employer to provide useful financial wellness benefits, and 60% would be more willing to remain at a job that offered them.

As Kleeman reminds us, “People sure get funny when it comes to money” – a sentiment that elucidates how integral financial wellness is for fostering a mentally robust workforce and preparing employees for retirement. By adopting a multifaceted approach encompassing financial mentoring, enhanced employee benefits, and a culture of openness around financial discussions, employers can significantly contribute to employee empowerment and alleviate financial stress and its ripple effects on mental health.

As this paradigm shift gains momentum, the onus is on employers to steer the helm toward a culture of financial wellness, unlocking a cascade of benefits for both employees and the organizational ethos at large.

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