How Financial Wellness Programs Help Employees
What would your workplace look like if your employees felt confident, clear, and in control of their finances? For many organizations, the answer is simple: fewer distractions, higher engagement, better retention, and a healthier, more resilient workforce. Yet financial stress continues to be one of the most common — and most overlooked — barriers to employee well-being.
That’s where financial wellness programs come in. These aren’t just budgeting tools or retirement calculators. Done well, they provide meaningful, personal support that empowers employees to make better decisions and reduce financial anxiety, while helping employers create a stronger, more effective organization. At Brighton Jones, we’ve helped employers and employees across the country gain that clarity, building programs that meet people where they are and guide them toward long-term financial confidence.
Here’s how financial wellness programs benefit your people — and why it’s worth your attention as a plan sponsor or employer.
Financial stress is a productivity killer
Money remains one of the most common sources of stress for Americans, often spilling over into the workplace. When employees are worried about paying bills, managing debt, or saving for the future, it can lead to distraction, anxiety, and even burnout. That stress can manifest in missed workdays, lower engagement, and reduced productivity.
How financial wellness helps: Financial wellness programs can equip employees with the tools and support they need to manage their financial lives effectively. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or digital resources, these programs help employees build better habits, gain confidence, and reduce financial anxiety.
The result? A more focused, energized, and productive workforce — with fewer distractions and greater peace of mind.
Wellness programs help employees retire on time
Delayed retirement is one of the biggest hidden costs for employers. When employees can’t afford to retire, benefit costs increase, promotions stall, and overall workforce planning becomes more complex.
How financial wellness helps: Education on retirement readiness — from understanding contribution limits to determining what constitutes “enough” — helps employees feel more confident about their future. Programs can guide them through choosing between Roth and pre-tax contributions, planning around Social Security, or understanding how their 401(k) fits into the broader financial picture.
Helping employees retire on time benefits them and creates positive ripple effects across your organization.
Employees use benefits more effectively
You’ve invested in a suite of benefits — retirement plans, HSAs, stock options, and more. However, many employees don’t fully understand them or know how to utilize them effectively.
How financial wellness helps: Financial education bridges the gap between your offerings and employees’ real-life decision-making. For example, a wellness program can help employees decide whether to use an HSA for current expenses or long-term savings, how to diversify within their 401(k) plan, or when to exercise stock options.
An employee might be maxing out their 401(k) without realizing they’re also eligible for a company HSA match—potentially leaving money on the table. A simple one-on-one meeting could help them adjust their strategy and unlock more value from their benefits.
The better employees understand their options, the more value they get from their benefits, and the more value your benefits package delivers overall.
Financial support builds loyalty and reduces turnover
In a competitive hiring environment, great pay and perks aren’t always enough to attract and retain talent. Employees want to feel supported, not just in their role, but in their lives.
How financial wellness helps: Offering access to trusted advisors, personalized guidance, and practical tools demonstrates a deeper level of care and support. When employers invest in their employees’ long-term financial health, it fosters loyalty and trust.
Financial wellness programs help employees navigate major life decisions, reduce uncertainty, and increase their confidence in the future. That kind of support strengthens retention, improves engagement, and reinforces a positive workplace culture.
A culture of well-being starts with financial confidence
Your employees’ well-being is about more than just healthcare. True wellness encompasses mental, physical, and financial health — and all of these are interconnected.
How financial wellness helps: By supporting financial health, you’re reinforcing a culture of care and empowering employees to bring their best selves to work.
This isn’t just about dollars and cents — it’s about helping employees live more intentional lives, make thoughtful decisions, and align their money with their values. Financial wellness programs do more than support employees — they drive business results. By easing stress and improving financial decision-making, they build a more focused, loyal, and secure workforce.
OpenPlan embeds financial wellness into the employee experience. Through our 401(k) partnerships, we deliver holistic education and personalized support that empower employees to take control of their financial lives with confidence and clarity. Interested in learning how you can provide meaningful, high-quality financial wellness support to your employees? Let’s connect — book a time with us to explore what’s possible.
This content is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as individualized advice or a recommendation for any specific product, strategy, or course of action. Brighton Jones, its affiliates, and employees do not provide personalized investment, financial, tax, or legal advice through this communication. This material is not intended to, and does not, create a fiduciary relationship under ERISA or any other applicable law. For individualized advice tailored to your specific circumstances, please consult with your adviser.
