Mental Health Awareness Month: The hidden cost of financial stress for employees

Let's face it: money worries are a universal buzzkill. But for many employees, financial stress isn't just a personal burden—it bleeds into the workplace, silently sabotaging their mental health and, consequently, their productivity and overall well-being. 

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we want to discuss the intersection between financial stress and our mental health while exploring why prioritizing employee financial wellness is not just a feel-good initiative but a smart business decision. 

This month is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and reducing the stigma surrounding mental illness. First established in 1949 by Mental Health America, this month provides an important opportunity to educate the public, share resources, and have open conversations about the realities of living with mental health conditions.

Mental health issues are incredibly common, with 1 in 5 U.S. adults living with a mental illness, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. We're talking about conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, PTSD— issues that can have a massive impact on someone's daily existence and quality of life.

Let’s more intentionally acknowledge the deep connections between our mental and financial health this month. Financial worries and stressors are a leading contributor to poor mental health for many individuals and families. Issues like unemployment, debt, housing costs, and lack of savings can take a serious toll through increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. At the same time, those already struggling with their mental health face added challenges in earning a living and achieving financial stability. By spotlighting this intersection, we can work to provide support systems that address mental and financial well-being together.

When financial worries follow you to work: The impact of employee financial stress

The numbers paint a concerning picture. A survey done by the National Endowment for Financial Education reports 80% of US employees are experiencing at least some level of financial stress. That's a staggering statistic, and it translates to a significant portion of your workforce likely walking through the office door with a heavy mental load. 

The problem? Financial stress isn't a neat compartment you can leave at home. It follows you around and is always a nagging thought in the back of your brain. It’s impacting your focus, decision-making, and overall mood. Let's delve deeper into financial stress's detrimental domino effect on employees.

The detrimental domino effect: How financial stress affects employees

The spectrum of financial stress varies and manifests in many different ways. Let’s look at the effect it has on people: 

Anxiety and depression: 

Financial stress often has an invisible grip on mental health. While the source of worry may be hidden (unpaid bills, unexpected expenses, etc.), the effects on our well-being are undeniable. A low hum of anxiety becomes a constant companion, hindering focus and sleep. Over time, this chronic stress can erode emotional resilience, making people susceptible to depression. The feeling of being overwhelmed with finances sometimes creates a sense of powerlessness, leading to a decline in motivation and a withdrawal from daily life.

Sleep disruption: 

Ever lie in bed at night replaying unpaid bills in your head like a broken record? Financial stress is a notorious sleep thief. When you can't switch off and get a good night's rest, it impacts your concentration, energy levels, and overall health. This sleep deprivation then feeds back into anxiety and depression, creating a vicious cycle.

Presenteeism and absenteeism: 

When your mind is a million miles away from work because you're drowning in debt, it's hard to be truly present. You might be physically there, but your mental engagement is out the window. This phenomenon, known as presenteeism, leads to decreased productivity and overall job satisfaction. On the other hand, some employees struggling with financial stress might experience increased absenteeism due to stress-related illness, adding further strain to the team and bottom line.

From burden to benefit: Why addressing employee financial stress matters

Now, let's shift gears and talk about the impact of employee financial stress on your business. Because, let's be honest, a stressed-out workforce isn't exactly a recipe for success. 

Here's how financial strain on your employees might be silently costing you money:

Reduced productivity: 

Studies consistently show that financially stressed workers are demonstrably less productive. For example, according to the PwC 2023 financial wellness survey, One in three full-time employees said money worries have negatively impacted their productivity at work.

When employees constantly worry about their bills, their focus naturally wanders. This decline in productivity translates to missed deadlines, errors, and, ultimately, lost revenue for your company.

Increased turnover: 

Employees dealing with financial stress are more likely to seek new employment opportunities actively. This constant churn of staff isn't just disruptive to team dynamics but also comes with a hefty price tag. Recruitment and training costs associated with high turnover can significantly eat into your profits.

Higher healthcare costs: 

The mind and body are intricately connected. Financial stress manifests physically, leading to headaches, stomach problems, and weakened immune systems. This means more employees use healthcare services, driving up costs for companies offering health insurance plans.

Beyond paychecks: Solutions for a mentally healthy workforce

So, how can you address this silent epidemic of employee financial stress? Thankfully, there are actionable solutions that go beyond simply offering competitive salaries (although that's important, too!).

Here are some strategies employers can implement to create a more financially empowered workforce:

Partnering with financial wellness provider: 

Offer your employees access to a comprehensive financial wellness program like Your Money Line. This empowers them with access to human 1:1 financial coaches who provide empathetic guidance and support, budgeting tools, debt management strategies, and educational resources—all designed to help them take control of their finances and reduce stress. Financial experts can offer personalized advice, but a coach understands the emotional aspects of money management, creating a safe space for your employees to discuss their concerns and develop a plan for success.

Promoting financial literacy: 

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to managing your money. Workshops and seminars on topics like budgeting, debt management, and saving for retirement equip your employees with the tools and knowledge they need to make informed financial decisions. This empowers them to take charge of their financial situation. 

Open communication: 

Let's break the money taboo! Although it’s not HR’s job to answer financial questions, it’s important to create an environment where employees feel comfortable. This could involve offering confidential financial counseling services or creating a safe space for open communication about financial challenges. Normalizing these conversations shows your employees that you care about their well-being beyond their job performance.

Financial wellness is mental wellness

This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's recognize the link between employee financial wellness and mental health. Financial stress is a significant mental health burden for many employees, impacting their well-being and, ultimately, hindering their ability to perform at their best.

Businesses can create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce by prioritizing employee financial wellness. This translates to a range of benefits: reduced absenteeism, improved employee morale, and a stronger bottom line.

So, what can you do?

• Educate yourself: Take some time to understand the impact of financial stress on employee mental health. Research the available resources and solutions, like financial wellness programs.
• Open a dialogue: Start a conversation with your HR department or leadership about the importance of employee financial wellness.
• Explore solutions: Look into partnering with a reputable and empathetic financial wellness program like Your Money Line. We offer a suite of tools and resources designed to empower your employees to take control of their finances and achieve their financial goals.

Investing in your employees' financial well-being is not just the right thing to do—it's a smart business decision. This Mental Health Awareness Month, let's prioritize creating a work environment that supports the mental well-being of your staff and watch your business thrive in return.