The Wellness Wake-Up Call: How Employee Financial Wellness Impacts Mental Health and Productivity

May is mental health awareness month, and we are bringing you tips on what we are seeing in the employee financial wellness market. We know that as a business owner, you’ve got a lot on your plate – starting with running the business amongst all the other “tyranny of the urgent” issues that come up on any given day. But there is one challenge you simply can’t afford to ignore: employee financial wellness and mental health support.

Whether you’re running a scrappy startup or a Fortune 500 giant, you have probably noticed some worrying signs. Maybe your team’s energy is flagging, people are calling in sick more often, or there is a general sense of discontent in the air. These are not just minor hiccups – they are red flags that your workforce might be struggling with their mental and financial well-being. And you’re not the only one experiencing this.

Given the competing priorities as a business owner, we can often overlook workplace financial wellness, even though it is directly tied to mental health, productivity, and company culture. So, how do you “live the values” and make this part of your company’s DNA? The secret weapon might just be strategic HR partnerships.

Why Employee Wellness Matters Now More Than Ever

The stats on workplace wellness programs are pretty eye-opening. The global corporate wellness market is set to explode to a whopping $146.6 billion by 2027. That’s growing at nearly 7% each year! And get this – more than 90% of companies are already on the wellness bandwagon. But here’s the rub: mental health issues are still running rampant, with more than 77% of folks reporting that work is making their mental health worse. Yikes.

Why should you care? Well, employee financial stress alone is costing U.S. employers an estimated $190 billion every month in lost productivity. That is a billion with a B, folks. With a huge chunk of workers feeling the financial squeeze, it is clear that addressing money matters isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential. Don’t believe us? Check out these corporate wellness stats for yourself.

How Strategic HR Partnerships Improve Wellness

This is where INFINITI HR comes in, ready to shake things up in the world of HR solutions. We have a support team that knows your business well. Because of this, we help you dive deep into the wellness pool, weaving financial smarts and mental health support into the fabric of your employees’ daily lives. Here is how our consultants can work with you to change the game with HR wellness solutions:

1. Holistic Wellness Routines: Financial stress is a sneaky productivity killer. That is why we offer financial resources to help your team tackle money worries head-on. By shining a light on these tools available to you at no cost to you or your employees, HR wellness programs become the secret weapon in boosting employee mental health and financial resilience. Want to learn more? Check out our blog on why smart financial planning matters.
   
   When you work with INFINITI HR, you get to tap into our large network of wellness offerings that include but are not limited to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), telehealth services, dream manager programs and more. These make both your team and your bottom line sing. Check out our HR marketplace for more on our wellness partnerships. 
2. Work-Life Balance That Actually Works: We are all about helping your team find that sweet spot through financial wellness programs for employees. The result? More engaged, productive, and fulfilled employees. And let’s not forget the importance of flexible schedules and personal time – it’s become crucial for keeping our sanity intact. Five years post Covid, we feel this more than ever.
3. Slashing Financial Stress with Pro Advice: We know that not every business can hand out fat raises left and right. But what if you could connect your team with certified financial advisors or set up workshops on savvy money management? It’s not just about making employees feel appreciated – it’s about empowering them to take control of their financial future – both at and outside of work.
   
   At INFINITI HR specifically, you have direct access to our seasoned retirement plan and wealth management consultant. For INFINITI HR, this consultant manages our multiple employer401(k) plan (MEP), which offers pooled plan arrangements to streamline administration and reduce costs for participating employers.
   
   Another strategic HR partnership INFINITI HR has put in place to slash the financial stress and boost employee wellness is with ZayZoon. Together, we have enabled a new way for employees to access their earned wages when they may need them most. As an early adopter of ZayZoon’s earned wage access platform, we’ve seen firsthand how offering employees financial flexibility can give employees control over their paycheck, reduce financial stress and prevent the debt spiral caused by predatory products. More about that here. 
4. Building a Culture That Doesn’t Suck: A mentally healthy and financially secure workplace isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. Poor mental health can tank job performance and send turnover rates through the roof, which is a recipe for financial disaster. We are not just about the usual HR stuff. We’ve got some tricks up our sleeve that’ll make your workplace feel less like, well, work. Ever tried encouraging random acts of kindness among coworkers? Or how about starting a gratitude journal? Writing down three good things each day can turn a Debbie Downer into a Positive Polly. Want to dive deeper into how job stress impacts health and your bottom line? A recent blog has additional insights for you.

The Link Between Financial Wellness and Mental Health

Still not convinced? Here are some more stats. A growing number of employees are putting their personal well-being front and center, but only 44% actually feel financially secure. And guess what? That lack of financial wellness is directly linked to mental health struggles. It is clear as day – we need HR solutions that tackle both money smarts and mental resilience. Don’t just take our word for it – dive into these employee wellness statistics for yourself.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Imagine a workplace where people look forward to coming in, where they feel financially secure and supported by workplace mental health programs. The result? Your company’s output and reputation will soar.

Partner with INFINITI HR and embrace strategic partnerships. Nurture a workforce that feels seen, heard, and inspired. As stress levels drop and productivity rises, you will start to see wellness not as a cost, but as your secret weapon.

As you mull over ways to boost engagement and keep your best talent from jumping ship, remember that INFINITI HR is here to help guide your company into a future where wellness and success go hand in hand. Think about the power of tackling financial stress with genuine empathy and watch how it ripples through your entire organization. This isn’t just about wellness programs – it is about creating a legacy of success that starts with your people.

Interested in other current employment trends? Click the link to view the recent blog: May 2025 State Labor Law Changes for Employers: New Rules in New Hampshire and Ohio or check back for more on human resources, payroll, insurance, and benefits.

This article does not constitute legal advice, and there are subtle variations in employment law as it pertains to these topics, depending on where your business operates. It is strongly suggested that you seek consultation or legal counsel before making decisions about policies.