The Business Case for Better Financial Wellbeing at Work

HR leaders are rethinking what it really means to support their people amid evolving workplace expectations and increasing demands for flexibility.

According to our latest Global Employee Benefits and Multinational Pooling Market Report, 62% of HR leaders say they are prioritizing benefit flexibility and customization, and a big part of that evolution is the rise of financial wellbeing as a core component of employee care.

Why? Because financial stress can lead to anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact an employee’s overall mental health and wellbeing.

Additionally, a recent SoFi study revealed that roughly one in four workers believe their productivity is impacted by financial concerns. That’s not surprising because when people are stressed about money, it affects everything from their focus and engagement to their overall mental health.

At Insurope, we’re seeing top-tier providers stepping up and redefining what financial wellness really means. It’s not just about saving for retirement; it’s about helping employees build confidence and resilience in their financial lives today. That’s why 55% of HR leaders in our report told us they want to improve their organizations’ financial wellness programs.

Here are some of the most impactful strategies we’re seeing around the world:

• Financial literacy programs that meet employees where they are, including learning to budget and exploring advanced investing.
• Retirement planning support that goes beyond access to a pension or plan, offering real guidance through workshops, tools, and expert advice.
• Emergency savings initiatives that make it easy for employees to build a financial cushion.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) with dedicated financial counseling to provide personalized advice, not one-size-fits-all solutions.
• Student loan support, which is especially critical for early-career professionals. This can include refinancing assistance, counseling, or employer-paid contributions.
• Smart technology, like budget apps and planning tools, that make managing money more intuitive and less intimidating.

Flexibility in employee benefits continues to rise, and offering financial wellbeing programs is increasingly important. Employers who embrace this shift are already seeing returns, including more engaged employees, stronger retention, and better performance.

At Insurope, we believe in helping multinational companies deliver benefits that truly matter across borders, cultures, and life stages.

To learn more about how our Network Members are bringing financial wellbeing solutions to their local clients, please visit our capabilities list today HERE.