Money Minds

According to PwC, 44% of employees feel distracted by finances at work, and spend three hours or more per week dealing with related issues.

Financial stress rarely stays at home; it shows up at work. Globally, nearly two-thirds of employees say money worries affect their mental health, leading to lost focus and declining productivity. The remedy lies in building financial literacy and empowering employees to take control of their finances.

PwC research shows that 44% of employees are distracted by money issues at work, spending three or more hours each week dealing with personal financial concerns. This distraction adds up quickly, evidence shows that financial education makes a measurable difference.

Employees who understand how to budget, save, and plan are more productive, less stressed, and less likely to leave their jobs. Carla Hoppe, founder of Wealthbrite and a former Big Four professional, notes that even finance experts grapple with lifestyle inflation, procrastination in retirement planning, and discomfort in discussing money openly at work.

Breaking down these barriers, she argues, is the first step toward empowerment. Organizations that normalize money conversations and provide tools such as budgeting apps and retirement planning support can shift the culture around financial wellbeing.

Some employers are already taking the lead. Companies like HelloWallet have pioneered personalized financial guidance by blending mobile technology with behavioral science to help employees build healthier money habits. Equipping workers with practical skills, employers reduce financial stress while boosting engagement and resilience.

When employees feel financially capable, companies benefit too. Productivity rises, retention strengthens, and wellbeing improves. In a shifting workplace, turning money from a taboo subject into a source of confidence may be one of the smartest investments a company can make.

Career Indaba® Magazine I Timeless Career Legacy.