In today's dynamic workplace, the financial wellbeing of employees is more than just a personal matter — it's a cornerstone of organizational success. Financial stress can impact productivity, morale and overall health, creating a ripple effect that influences workplace culture and business outcomes.
We're starting to see the gap between employee and employer focus on financial wellbeing reduce, as employers take note of employee needs. Our 2025 Benefits Trends Survey shows that financial wellbeing has moved to become one of the top areas employers wish to enhance or improve over the next three years (with intrinsically linked mental health being top). This shift aligns with findings from our 2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey, which revealed that financial wellbeing ranked among the top two wellbeing challenges employees face and want support from their employer to address. In contrast, in our 2024 Wellbeing Diagnostic Survey, employers noted financial wellbeing as a low priority and acknowledged they weren't addressing it effectively.
What is financial wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing is the state of feeling secure and in control of your finances — both now and in the future. It's about more than income; it's about confidence, knowledge and access to support. Employees with strong financial wellbeing are better equipped to manage everyday expenses, plan for retirement and navigate unexpected life events without undue stress.
Financial wellbeing is a foundational part of a wider health and wellbeing strategy that also includes mental health and employee satisfaction. If employers and employees work together to invest in their financial wellbeing, employees feel less stressed, have more financial security and a healthier work/life balance, while organizations benefit from improved productivity and reduced absence, turnover and benefit program claims and premiums.
Why does financial wellbeing matter?
In 2024, 40% of U.K. employees reported living paycheque to paycheque, with 8 in 10 not saving enough for retirement (2024 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey). Against the backdrop of rising living costs, a contracting economy and geo-political uncertainty, financial stress is a growing concern.
When employees have concerns about money, it often impacts other areas of their health and wellbeing. By understanding diverse financial needs, offering inclusive benefits and promoting financial literacy, you can empower your workforce to achieve greater financial stability and peace of mind.
- Employees with financial problems have 2.3 times higher levels of anxiety or depression
- Employees with financial problems are 1.7 times more likely to miss work and 1.6 times more likely to be searching for a new job
59% of employees chose financial wellbeing as the area that they desired the most support in
74% of employers rate financial wellbeing as a top priority over the next three years
59% of employees reported that money concerns had a negative impact on their wellbeing
40% of employees say their financial situation is causing them stress and anxiety
How can WTW help?
We help organisations design and deliver inclusive, data-driven financial wellbeing strategies that meet the diverse needs of today's workforce. Our approach goes beyond one-off initiatives — we build programmes that are tactical, sustainable and shaped by employee voice.
We can support you with:
- Benchmarking and employee listening
- Benefits optimisation and total rewards strategy
- Flexible benefits and financial planning tools
- Employee communication and engagement
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and mental health programme integration
- Vendor assessment and procurement
- Workplace financial education
- Financial education
- Pension guidance
- Individual financial advice
Financial wellbeing is personal — and powerful. Let's work together to create a programme that empowers your people and strengthens your organization.
Contact us to find out more.
