What is Employee Financial Wellness?

Financial wellness is more important than ever in today's fast-paced and stressful world. Financial stress can have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental health, and it can also affect their job performance. Employers are starting to recognize the importance of financial wellness for their employees, and they are now offering programs and benefits to help their employees achieve financial stability. In this article, we will discuss employee financial wellness, why it is important, what companies can do to promote it, and the benefits it can bring to businesses.  

Horizon is a proud partner of businesses looking to increase their financial wellness through our customizable payroll, onboarding, and benefits solutions. Read on to learn more! 

An Overview of Employee Financial Wellness

Employee financial wellness refers to the financial stability of employees, which includes their ability to manage their finances effectively, save for the future, and plan for unexpected events. Financial wellness is more than just having a good credit score or a well-funded retirement account. It also includes financial literacy, the ability to manage debt, and the ability to plan for emergencies. Not to mention, better personal finances can lead to freedom to do the things that you truly enjoy. 

Why is Financial Wellness Important for Employees?

Financial wellness is crucial for a business's employees because it affects their overall well-being. Financial insecurity can lead to physical and mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. It can also cause strain on personal relationships and affect job performance. 

When employees are financially stable, they are better equipped to manage unexpected events such as illness, job loss, or other emergencies. Financial stability also allows employees to plan for the future, such as saving for retirement, buying a home, or starting a family. This stability, in turn, leads to a better quality of life and less stress. 

When employees are financially secure, they are less likely to miss work or fall behind due to depression or anxiety over money troubles. This, in turn, results in higher productivity for employers! 

Ensuring a Happier and Healthier Workforce

Employers have a responsibility to create a work environment that promotes the well-being of their employees. By providing financial wellness programs and benefits, employers can ensure a happier and healthier workforce. When employees are less stressed and worried about their financial challenges, they are more productive, engaged, and motivated! 

This can lead to increased job satisfaction and a lower turnover rate. They'll have more money to take time away from work to enjoy vacations with family or home projects that will contribute to their overall quality of life. 

What Can Companies Do to Promote Employee Financial Wellness?

Companies can and should help their employees with financial wellness through well-thought-out benefit packages, training, and more! Read on to learn more about what your business can do to aid its employees. 

Employee Financial Wellness Programs and Benefits

Employers can take several steps to promote financial wellness in their employees. Here are some of the most common programs and benefits. 

1) Enrolling in 401(k) Plans

One of the most effective ways to promote financial health is by offering a 401(k) plan. A 401(k) plan is a retirement savings plan that allows employees to save for retirement while reducing their taxable income. Employers can also offer matching contributions, which incentivizes employees to save more for retirement. When an employee knows their financial future is becoming more secure thanks to their employer, they are more likely to stay with that employer longer. 

2) Health Insurance Plans and Savings Accounts

Healthcare costs can be a significant source of financial stress for employees and their dependents. Employers can help alleviate this stress by offering healthcare insurance plans with lower deductibles and copayments. Employers can also offer health savings accounts (HSAs), which allow employees to save money tax-free to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs are a great way to supplement existing insurance plans and allow employees to cover extra medical costs and everyday wellness items and services that may positively impact their health.  

Be sure to check out our complete Employee Benefits Guide here!

3) Student Loan Assistance

Student loan debt is a major financial burden for many employees. Most employees enter the workplace with tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. This debt can be overwhelming and feel like an uphill battle every day.  

Employers can help alleviate this burden by offering student loan assistance programs. These programs can include contributions to an employee's student loan payments or offer refinancing options.

4) Programs to Teach Budgeting, Debt Management, etc.

Employers can also offer financial wellness programs that teach employees how to budget, manage debt, and plan for the future. These programs can include financial literacy courses, one-on-one financial counseling, and access to financial planning tools. Sometimes, just a little tweak here or there in someone's budget or debt management can make a huge difference in their overall financial goals and contribute to better overall satisfaction at work. 

What are the Benefits of Employee Financial Wellness for Businesses?

Promoting financial wellness in employees can have several benefits for businesses. Listed below are some of the most significant benefits. 

Higher Employee Retention Rates

Employees who are financially stable are less likely to leave their job in search of higher-paying positions. By offering financial wellness programs and benefits, businesses can increase their employee retention rates. Employees who feel supported by their employer are more likely to stay with the company long-term! 

Improved Productivity

Financial stress can significantly affect job performance. Employees who are worried about their finances are more likely to be distracted and less productive, often missing deadlines or falling behind on important tasks. By promoting financial wellness, employers can help employees reduce financial stress, leading to increased productivity, employee engagement, and better job performance over time. 

Reduced Absenteeism

Financial worries can also lead to physical and mental health problems, which can result in increased absenteeism. When employees are financially stable, they are less likely to miss work due to financial or health-related issues. Additionally, having tools such as an HSA can help alleviate some of the medical costs and even provide preventative wellness products and services that can curb absenteeism. 

Building a Stronger Workforce through a Culture of Support

Offering financial wellness programs and benefits can help create a culture of support within the workplace. Employees who feel supported and valued by their employer are more likely to be loyal and motivated and spread that positivity around to others. By promoting financial wellness, businesses can build a stronger workforce and improve employee morale. The more your employees are financially stable and literate, the more they help each other in reaching their goals and contributing to the overall goals of your organization! 

Horizon is a Trusted Payroll and Benefits Partner for Businesses

For businesses looking to promote financial wellness in their employees, Horizon offers a range of payroll and benefits solutions that can directly impact financial wellness. With over 20 years of experience, our team at Horizon has been a trusted partner for businesses looking to streamline their payroll and benefits processes. Contact us today to learn more! 

Payroll, HR, Benefits, and Onboarding Solutions For Businesses of All Sizes

Since 1997, Horizon has offered a wide range of payroll, HR, benefits, and onboarding solutions to help businesses of all kinds. Our payroll services include direct deposit, tax compliance, and more. We also offer HR solutions, such as time and attendance tracking and employee self-service portals. 

Additionally, Horizon offers benefits solutions, including healthcare insurance plans, retirement plans, and flexible spending accounts to improve employee quality of life and contribute to higher workplace productivity. We also offer onboarding solutions, such as electronic forms and new hire reporting! Read about our full suite of services here. 

Contact Us Today for More Information

If you are interested in promoting financial wellness in your employees, contact Horizon today to learn more about our employee payroll and benefits solutions. With our expertise and experience, Horizon can help you create a comprehensive financial wellness program that meets the needs of your employees and your business. 

In conclusion, promoting financial wellbeing in employees is essential for their overall well-being and job performance. By offering financial wellness programs and employee benefits, businesses can create a culture of support, leading to higher employee retention rates, improved productivity, and reduced absenteeism. As a trusted partner for businesses, Horizon offers a range of payroll, onboarding, and benefits solutions to help companies promote financial wellness in their employees!