How financial wellbeing impacts productivity at work

29 Jan 2026

Many of us are feeling the squeeze right now. With the cost of living rising, it is no surprise that more employees are bringing money worries into the workplace; their financial wellbeing is being significantly affected.

Research from organisations like the Money and Pensions Service shows financial stress directly affects their job performance. But it’s not just the younger generation; employees of all ages are feeling the pressure. As an employer, you are likely navigating these same economic challenges too. 

So, how can you support your team’s wellbeing without overstretching your own budget?

Here are five practical ways to help:

1. Acknowledge the Reality 

The first step is simply recognising the problem. Financial stress isn’t just a personal issue; it impacts focus, motivation, and overall office morale. 

By being open about the situation, you reduce the “hush-hush” nature of money talk. Letting your team know that you understand times are tough can build significant trust and loyalty. 

2. Look for Flexibility

Small changes to how people work can help them manage how they spend. If it works for your business, consider: 

• Commuter Support – Allowing flexible start/finish times to avoid peak travel costs.
• Remote Work – Giving the option to work from home occasionally to save on fuel or public transport.
• Shift Swaps – Making it easier for staff to balance work with life commitments without losing out on hours.

These adjustments help staff manage their time and money more effectively without adding any extra cost to your business. 

3. Offer Practical Support 

You don’t need to be a financial advisor to help. Sometimes, simply pointing people toward the right resources is enough. You could provide: 

• Budgeting tools – Sharing links to free, reputable online calculators like those found on MoneyHelper. 

• Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) – Reminding staff if they have access to free, confidential advice. These can be fairly low cost. 
• Wellbeing sessions – Hosting short webinars on managing finances or understanding pensions. Often your provider will offer these free of charge. 

4. Keep it Fair and Consistent 

When you offer flexibility or perks, make sure they are available to everyone fairly. If one person gets a perk and another doesn’t, it can cause frustration and damage team spirit. Transparency is the best way to ensure your good intentions don’t backfire. 

5. Open the Conversation 

Encourage your managers to check in with their teams regularly. This isn’t about prying into someone’s bank account; it’s about creating a safe space where someone can say, “I’m struggling.” Often, knowing that an employer genuinely cares is enough to help an employee stay engaged and focused. 

The Bottom Line 

Supporting financial wellbeing isn’t always about spending more money. Usually, it’s about understanding, flexibility, and fairness. When your team feels supported, they are better equipped to do their best work.  At Albany HR, our HR Consultants in Edinburgh work with businesses across Glasgow and the rest of Scotland to build resilient teams. We can help you develop a formal wellbeing policy tailored to your needs and train your managers to handle these sensitive conversations with confidence. 

Would you like to review how your business supports employee wellbeing? 

At Albany HR, we help businesses build resilient, productive teams. Contact us for a friendly chat about how we can support your HR goals or have a look at our Services Pages for more detail on how we can help you create a workplace where employees can thrive.