A Bigger Paycheck Isn't Enough: Workers Now Want Financial Wellness Perks From Employers

Core Insights - Employees are increasingly seeking financial wellness resources from their employers, with a notable rise in demand for near-term financial support such as emergency savings and debt assistance, increasing from 13% in 2023 to 26% in 2025 [1][5] - A significant portion of employees, 36%, desire resources focused on retirement education and planning, while 33% want to learn about generating income in retirement, and another third aim to develop good financial skills and habits [2] - The survey indicates that 85% of employees carry some form of personal debt, with 45% citing debt repayment as a barrier to building an emergency fund, yet less than one-third of companies provide credit counseling or debt assistance beyond student loans [3] Company Offerings - There is a disparity in financial wellness program offerings between larger and smaller companies, with 54% of larger employers providing such programs compared to only 32% of smaller firms, which can impact hiring and retention [4] - Nearly 25% of employees have considered leaving their jobs due to inadequate workplace benefits, highlighting the importance of investing in financial workshops and wellness programs to retain talent [5]