Why Global Money Week matters for employers - and how HR can lead the way

Global Money Week (16–22 March) is an annual international campaign designed to help young people become financially aware, develop healthy financial habits and build the confidence needed to make informed financial decisions. Each year, schools, charities, policymakers and businesses rally behind a simple but powerful mission: To improve financial literacy and create a financially resilient generation.

For employers across Europe, Global Money Week represents more than a youth education initiative - it's a strategic moment to reflect on how financial literacy, confidence and resilience affect the workforce today. Our data shows that financial pressures are not just affecting young people. They are placing significant strain on employees across all ages, career stages and income levels.

In this article, we explore why financial wellbeing must be a priority for organizations and how HR leaders can use Global Money Week to spark meaningful conversations and drive change in benefit and wellbeing programs.

The financial wellbeing challenge facing workforces

Financial stress is widespread - and rising. Research from our latest Global Benefits Attitudes Survey shows:

 
These financial pressures create a ripple effect that touches every aspect of wellbeing:

• 54% of employees say money worries are harming their overall wellbeing
• Employees experiencing financial stress lose 1.9x more working days to absence and presenteeism
• Employees are 30% less likely to buy healthy food, and 1 in 4 (25%) delay medical appointments due to cost concerns

Source: Global Benefits Attitudes Survey 2024 – Global - all employees, except US and Canada where they are full-time employees only.

For employers, the implications are stark. Financially stressed employees demonstrate reduced productivity, higher presenteeism and greater turnover risk. Our research also shows that organizations with mature wellbeing programs see performance gains in financial and human capital outcomes that are two times higher than companies without effective strategies.

And yet, HR leaders recognize there is a disconnect: While employees place financial wellbeing among their top concerns, many employers report it is one of the least prioritized areas in their wellbeing program.

This creates a clear opportunity for HR - and Global Money Week is a timely catalyst.

How employers can strengthen their financial wellbeing strategy

Embedding financial resilience beyond Global Money Week

Global Money Week should be the spark, not the full solution. Building a financially resilient workforce requires long-term, strategic investment. However, that doesn't have to come at the expense of other benefit programs or mean significant additional budgets are required to have an impact.

From our experience supporting organizations globally, the most effective programs:

• Are grounded in real employee data
• Link financial wellbeing to broader wellbeing and talent strategies
• Include clear goals, leadership support and strong internal branding
• Maximize existing benefits before adding new ones
• Offer a balance of education, tools, emergency support and long-term planning
• Continuously measure impact and refine approaches

Financial wellbeing is not just about income - it is about confidence, capability and feeling in control. Employers who invest in this area report improvements in engagement, retention, productivity and workplace morale.

How WTW can help employers build a financially resilient workforce

We work with organizations to design and deliver comprehensive financial wellbeing strategies that reflect the realities of today's workforce but also the uniqueness of each organization. Whether employers need help with their financial wellbeing strategy design, benefit optimization and total rewards analysis, employee insights and listening, mental health and EAP review or benchmarking, analytics and measurement frameworks.

Our holistic, insight led approach ensures employers can support employees through life's every day and unexpected challenges - building confidence, reducing financial stress and helping people navigate moments that matter.

Now is the moment to act

Global Money Week is a reminder that financial capability begins early - but financial wellbeing matters at every stage of life. For HR leaders, it's an opportunity to create a more supportive, financially resilient workplace where every employee feels empowered and confident in their financial future.

By taking action - and embedding financial wellbeing into long-term strategy - employers can help their people thrive, both inside and outside of work.

Interested in our Financial Wellbeing Guide? Reach out to us or complete the form on the right, or below on a mobile device, to get your copy.