3 tips to help employees talk about money and reduce financial stress

Getting support and talking about money worries before they pile up can make a big difference to people’s financial wellbeing and resilience.

For many people, the cost of living crisis has had a lasting impact on their emotional and financial wellbeing. According to Standard Life’s Retirement Voice 2025 report, less than half of adults (45%) say they feel positive about their current financial situation.

For most, the biggest worries are those that have an immediate financial impact, such as meeting energy costs (63%) and interest rate rises (39%). Furthermore, our research shows that the number of people who would describe their financial situation as ‘comfortable’ is falling, dropping from 36% in 2022 to 30% in 2025.

Why it’s important to talk about money

This week (3- 7 November) marks the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) annual Talk Money Week campaign, and it is a great time to encourage your employees to talk openly about money – and help reduce stress in the process.

According to MaPS, people who talk about money make better and less risky financial decisions, and feel less stressed or anxious and more in control. Despite these benefits, the majority of people keep quiet.

MaPS research from 2022 shows that 4 in 5 people struggle to talk about money. Not wanting to be judged, fear of burdening others, and shame or embarrassment were the most common reasons people gave for avoiding talking about money.

How employers can help reduce employee financial stress

It’s important for employers to recognise that financial stress can have a far-reaching impact on people’s lives – and on the workplace. Research by the CIPD found that 31% of employees surveyed said money worries had negatively affected their work performance.

Why not use this year’s Talk Money Week as an opportunity to encourage employees to seek support and open up about their finances? It could help to reduce stress and improve their long-term financial wellbeing. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

1. Send a survey to understand employee needs

For your workplace support package to make the most impact, it’s important to understand what’s weighing on your employees’ minds.

Some might be worried about paying expensive bills or debts. Whilst for others, they might be prioritising getting on the property ladder. The only way to find out is to ask.

Send out an anonymous survey to capture what’s worrying your employees and ask what would help them. Then, use this feedback to create a personalised support offering that meets employees’ needs.

See our ‘How to get your financial wellbeing programme started in 3 simple steps’ video guide for tips on getting employee feedback.

2. Boost employees’ financial knowledge

Helping employees get to know their money better can go a long way to helping them feel more in control of their finances.

You could signpost employees to external resources and guidance. MoneyHelper, for instance, contains loads of impartial guidance on a wide range of financial topics including everyday spending, buying a house, and saving into a pension.

3. Help employees manage their day-to-day finances

If people don't know how to begin managing their money, there's a risk they may avoid their financial problems – which could make things worse.

You can help by pointing employees towards tools to help them get better acquainted with everyday spending.

MoneyHelper also includes online calculators and comparison tools to help employees navigate different areas of their finances, including credit cards, mortgages, and pensions.

In it together

When it comes to financial stress, it's essential for employees to remember they’re not alone. Many others may be in the same boat or have experienced money worries in the past. Providing support in the workplace can help manage the pressures many employees may face – before they reach boiling point.

The information here is not financial advice. If you're unsure, you should speak to a financial adviser.