Low investment confidence among UK workers raises workplace wellbeing concerns 

A lack of confidence in investing among UK employees is emerging as a workplace health and wellbeing issue, as financial pressure continues to affect performance, engagement and long-term resilience. 

New research from Mintel shows that many individuals continue to hold savings in low-interest cash accounts, despite the risk of inflation eroding their value over time. The UK ranks as the lowest retail-investing nation in the G7, highlighting a reliance on cash and a reluctance to engage with investment options. 

The findings come as financial pressure remains widespread. Separate data from WEALTH at work found that 47 per cent of UK workers are concerned about not saving enough for the future, while 51 per cent say they do not have enough spare income to save regularly. 

This pressure is increasingly visible in the workplace. Employees report that financial concerns are contributing to stress (36 per cent) and mental exhaustion (34 per cent), alongside reduced motivation (23 per cent), lower concentration (20 per cent) and increased sick days (8 per cent). 

The data underlines the growing link between financial wellbeing and workplace health outcomes, with employers facing rising expectations to support staff beyond traditional benefits. 

Jonathan Watts-Lay, director at WEALTH at work, said low confidence remains a key barrier to better financial decision making. 

“When household budgets are stretched, people naturally prioritise short-term security and certainty. However, periods of financial pressure can also increase the long-term risks of relying solely on cash, particularly when inflation reduces purchasing power over time,” he said. 

“Improving confidence in investing matters because uncertainty and limited understanding often lead people to delay decisions altogether, leaving money in place by default rather than making informed choices. From an employer perspective, this can have longer-term consequences for financial resilience and retirement readiness.” 

Mintel’s report found that 45 per cent of individuals want to improve their understanding of investing, but warned that reliance on unregulated online content risks undermining knowledge of risk and financial fundamentals. 

The workplace is increasingly seen as a key channel for improving financial understanding, given its role in pay, pensions and access to benefits. 

“For most people, the workplace is where they earn their money and where their financial decisions often start,” Watts-Lay said. “That puts employers in a unique position to help build financial resilience through clear financial education and practical savings options.” 

He added that improving financial confidence could help reduce anxiety and support better decision-making at a time when many employees feel uncertain about their finances. 

The findings reflect a broader shift in workplace wellbeing strategies, with financial health becoming a core component alongside physical and mental wellbeing. 

Employers are being encouraged to provide clearer financial education, improve access to workplace savings tools and support employees in building long-term financial resilience, as part of a more integrated approach to workforce health.