A recent Quartz article, “Workers are turning to their employers for financial advice”, spotlights a significant shift in the workplace: employees are increasingly looking to their employers—not banks—for financial guidance and support. Bank of America’s annual Workplace Benefits Report shows that 96% of employers now feel responsible for their employees’ financial wellness. And perhaps more striking: nearly 8 in 10 workers say they trust their employer to support their financial well-being.

That’s a big change—and a big opportunity.

From Paychecks to Peace of Mind

The traditional view of work has always centered around the paycheck. But today’s employees want more than just timely pay—they want help making it work for them. Rising costs, unpredictable expenses, and increasing financial stress mean that even full-time workers can feel financially stuck between paydays. And when people are stressed about money, they bring that stress to work. It shows up in productivity, retention, and even absenteeism.

This is where financial wellness benefits like Earned Wage Access (EWA) come in.

EWA allows employees to access a portion of their earned pay before the scheduled payday—giving them control over their money and reducing reliance on costly alternatives like payday loans, overdraft fees, or credit card debt. It’s not just about early pay; it’s about dignity, flexibility, and meeting real-world needs in real time.

What This Means for Employers

The Quartz article highlights how financial stress is now considered a business issue, not just a personal one. More than half of employers surveyed say that financial wellness programs are critical to retaining talent. That’s because when workers feel supported, they stay longer, perform better, and engage more deeply with their work.

By offering benefits like Express Wages, employers can:

• Reduce financial stress among workers

• Increase engagement, retention, and productivity

• Align with broader DEI and employee wellness goals

• Provide meaningful support with no impact to payroll processes

Your Role Is Changing—In a Good Way

If you’re an employer, you’re not expected to become a certified financial planner. But you are in a powerful position to provide access to tools and benefits that make a difference. Employees are telling us they want—and trust—your help.

By embracing financial wellness as a core part of your people strategy, you don’t just improve lives. You improve outcomes—for everyone.

Learn how Express Wages can help you meet your employees’ evolving needs.

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