Stress has long been known to damage employee mental health, productivity and retention. This is especially true of financial stress. Employees grappling with financial anxiety may be more distracted and less engaged. This translates to higher absenteeism and reduced workplace performance.

Moreover, employees view their employers as responsible for financial wellness efforts. According to MetLife’s Employee Benefit Trends Study 2024, 92% of employees want more consistent care from their employers. Wellness benefits must support both immediate financial challenges and long-term goals.

Here’s how the right wellness benefits can transform employee wellbeing — and why 2025 may be the perfect time to put these tools into action.

The financial wellness benefits landscape in 2025 and beyond

Reports underscore a shift towards financial wellness benefits as crucial components of overall employee well-being. According to Transamerica’s 5th Transamerica Prescience 2026 Report, around half (47%) of employers are expected to offer financial wellness programs by 2026. Industry professionals also expect the addition of student repayment programs by this time.

Additionally, retirement plan coverage for smaller businesses (under 100 employees) may reach parity with larger companies. These changes signify an encouraging shift toward more inclusive financial benefits.

Healthcare benefits company Lively found that 81% of employers plan to add or improve wellness benefits in the coming year to enhance recruitment and retention. Flexible benefits, like emergency savings and lifestyle accounts, may also gain traction. Flexibility and customization remain high on employee wishlists.

2025 is the year to implement financial wellness benefits

For employers, 2025 marks the window to act. Companies without financial wellness programs risk falling behind in the race for talent. Transamerica also warns employers without financial wellness may struggle with recruiting and retention.

Organizations increasingly leverage robust wellness benefits as a differentiator. In a recent report by the Integrated Benefits Institute, 51% of employers listed “employee satisfaction” as their top goal. As employers ramp up their wellness benefits, there is more competition for talent. This shift reflects the understanding that employee well-being is a key HR strategy. Wellness is not only a moral imperative but also a critical business strategy.

Moreover, flexible benefits can enhance recruitment, satisfaction and retention, as noted in the Lively report. Financial wellness programs can position organizations as forward-thinking and invested in their workforce.

3. Consider employer-sponsored employee credit card debt assistance programs

Companies should consider the following steps when considering wellness benefits.

1. Assess Current Benefits: Consider existing wellness offerings to identify gaps in addressing financial stress.
2. Engage Employees: Gather feedback to understand employees’ financial concerns. Then, ensure the new benefits align with their needs.
3. Introduce Flexible Options: Consider benefits like emergency savings, student loan repayment programs and financial literacy training.
4. Leverage Partnerships: Deliver easy-to-use tools, such as budgeting apps, coaching services, and retirement planning resources.
5. Measure Impact: Assess program effectiveness to ensure continued relevance and ROI.

As the workplace evolves, so must employee benefits. Financial stress will present challenges to employees in 2025. But employers can use the tools at their disposal to relieve it. Prioritizing wellness benefits helps organizations improve employee well-being, boost productivity and enhance retention.

Looking for the right wellness benefit in 2025? Try Best Money Moves.

Best Money Moves is an AI-driven, mobile-first financial wellness solution designed to help employees with varying levels of financial knowledge dial down their most top-of-mind financial stresses. As an easy-to-use financial well-being solution, Best Money Moves offers comprehensive support toward any money-related goal, ranging from debt management to purchasing a home. With 1:1 money coaching, budgeting tools and other resources, our AI-driven platform is designed to help bolster employee financial wellbeing.

To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.