Money worries at work “driving stress and cutting productivity” 

Financial pressure is affecting how people feel and perform at work, with new UK research highlighting a clear link between money worries and workplace wellbeing. 

Research from WEALTH at Work, based on a survey of 2,000 workers, found that more than a third of employees say financial concerns are increasing stress levels (36 per cent) and causing mental exhaustion (34 per cent). 

The impact is also being felt in day-to-day performance. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) report lower motivation due to financial worries, while one in five (20 per cent) say their focus and concentration have declined. A further 8 per cent say money-related stress has contributed to taking more sick days. 

Despite this, many employees are not accessing formal support. The research shows that 30 per cent do not seek help from any source when managing their finances, while 29 per cent rely on friends or family. Only 10 per cent speak to a financial adviser and just 2 per cent approach their employer. 

Perceptions of employer support are also declining. Almost half (45 per cent) of employees say they feel unsupported by their organisation when it comes to understanding their finances, up from 39 per cent the previous year. 

The findings point to a growing gap between the scale of financial pressure employees are experiencing and the level of structured support available through the workplace. 

WEALTH at Work says, however, that employers are starting to respond and amont thesolutions gathering popularity is financial coaching. This is backed by separate research, by the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA), which found that 40 per cent of employers either already offer, or are planning to introduce, financial coaching. 

The approach focuses on education and guidance, helping employees build practical skills and confidence in managing their money. 

WEALTH at Work outlines four areas where financial coaching can support employees. 

The first is building positive financial habits. Employees can be supported to manage budgets more effectively, recognise unhelpful spending patterns and develop more consistent saving behaviours. 

The second is creating a financial plan. Coaching can help employees understand the value of emergency savings and long-term planning, including pensions, and make these feel more achievable in the context of everyday financial pressures. 

The third is preparing for retirement. Separate research referenced by WEALTH at Work shows that 45 per cent of employees do not believe they will be able to afford to retire. Financial coaching can help employees understand their options and take practical steps towards longer-term financial security. 

The fourth is driving action. By improving understanding of their financial position, employees are more likely to take steps such as increasing pension contributions, reducing debt or making use of workplace savings schemes. 

Jonathan Watts-Lay, director at WEALTH at Work, said: “An increasing number of employers are now turning to specialist workplace financial wellbeing service providers to help individuals build their financial knowledge and improve their financial wellbeing throughout their career. Taking an active approach and supporting employees by providing financial education and guidance through financial coaches, can in turn lead to a more financially resilient workforce. ” 

The findings reinforce the growing role of financial wellbeing as a core part of workplace health strategies. As organisations continue to focus on performance, retention and employee experience, financial support is becoming increasingly linked to wider wellbeing outcomes, particularly in reducing stress and supporting sustained productivity across the workforce.