Money stress doesn’t stay at home. It shows up at work, affecting focus, productivity, and even morale. With financial stress at an all-time high in 2025, employers are beginning to take notice.
Supporting your employees’ financial wellness isn’t just a nice-to-have benefit anymore; it’s a smart business move. Here’s why it matters, what it means for your team, and how Group Management Services (GMS) can help your business support your people with tools like Earned Wage Access.
What Is Employee Financial Wellness?
In simple terms, financial wellness is about feeling in control of your money. That means being able to pay bills on time, handle unexpected expenses, and save for the future. But for a growing number of employees, that sense of control is slipping.
According to recent 2025 data:
- 60% of employees say they’re financially stressed, a number that’s higher than it was during the pandemic.
- Just 44% of employees say they feel financially “well.”
Financial stress is associated with lower productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher turnover rates. This stress isn’t just a personal issue; it becomes a business issue when it impacts performance and engagement.
Why Financial Wellness Matters to Employees
For employees, the impact of financial stress is very real. It can lead to:
- Anxiety and distraction during the workday
- Difficulty focusing or meeting deadlines
- Less confidence in their long-term future
- Burnout or disengagement
Employees want to do their best, but when they’re worried about how to pay their rent or cover a surprise car repair, it’s tough to stay focused. Offering resources and support for financial wellness helps reduce that burden and shows your team that you’re in their corner.
Why Financial Wellness Matters to Employers
When your people are stressed, your business feels it.
Here’s what the research shows:
- Financially stressed employees are twice as likely to be looking for a new job
- They’re also more likely to be late, miss work, or make errors
- Businesses that support financial wellness see a 25% increase in retention
- Offering financial wellness benefits can improve recruiting, especially among younger workers looking for flexibility
The bottom line is that a financially healthy workforce is more productive, loyal, and engaged.
How to Support Employee Financial Wellness
Improving financial wellness doesn’t always mean giving raises or overhauling your benefits. Sometimes, simple changes can make a big difference. Here are a few ways you can support your team:
Offer Earned Wage Access (EWA)
EWA enables employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday. At GMS, we partner with ZayZoon to offer this benefit, providing your team with financial flexibility without adding to your workload.
With ZayZoon and GMS:
- Immediate access: Employees can access their funds when they need them most, reducing financial stress and enhancing overall well-being.
- No cost to employers: There’s no cost or liability to you; ZayZoon funds the advances, making it a hassle-free solution.
- Attract and retain talent: Offering EWA can make your company more attractive to potential candidates and help reduce turnover.
- Seamless integration: It integrates seamlessly with payroll, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Provide Financial Education
Budgeting tools, savings tips, and online resources can go a long way in helping your employees achieve their financial goals. ZayZoon offers complimentary financial education for clients through its Financial Wellness program, which includes content, online courses, and prediction tools.
Encourage Smart Saving
Offer programs such as 401(k) plans with matching contributions, flexible spending accounts, or health savings accounts. These tools help employees plan for the future and feel more in control of their money today.
Create a Supportive Culture
Encourage open conversations about money. Financial topics are often perceived as taboo, but providing employees with space and resources to discuss them can help break the stigma and foster a more supportive environment.
How GMS Can Help
GMS is here to help you take care of your team because when your people are supported, your business thrives. Our EWA program, powered by ZayZoon, provides your employees with early access to their wages, helps them avoid predatory loans, and equips them with the tools to manage their finances more effectively.
Financial wellness is no longer optional; it’s essential. By supporting your employees’ financial health, you’re creating a stronger, more engaged team that’s better equipped to deliver exceptional work every day. Contact us today to get started!