4 Ways to Help Employees Handle Holiday Stress

In the latest PWC Employee Financial Wellness Survey we learned that 60% of employees are stressed about their finances, a number that’s even higher than at the height of the pandemic. While this time of year can be full of comfort and joy, it can also exacerbate financial stress as the pressure to spend mounts and debt levels rise. Financial stress reaches into every area of our lives, impacting our mental and physical health and leading to negative impacts in our relationships and jobs. Data shows that financially stressed employees are nearly five times as likely to admit personal finance issues have been a distraction at work. As we look forward to the new year, here are some three ways to help your employees deal with holiday debt and stress.  Collaborate with credit counseling agencies such as Apprisen to offer debt management assistance, helping employees manage high-interest debts and access financial wellness resources to help them achieve financial goals.  

• Host workshops providing budgeting tips and debt management strategies to empower employees. Whether virtual or in-person, these learning experiences give employees the space to reflect on their financial situation and ask questions to help them build financial health.
  • Share online resources, articles, or tools on financial wellness to educate employees about managing debt and making informed financial decisions. Here are a few good resources sites to get you started:
  • Apprisen Resource page
    • https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/
    • https://consumer.ftc.gov/credit-loans-debt

• Implement flexible working hours or additional paid time off to help reduce stress and allow employees to manage personal affairs. 
• Offer flexible payment options for employee benefits, easing financial strain during the holiday season. 
• Consider providing holiday bonuses or incentives to alleviate financial burdens and boost employee morale. 

• Collaborate with credit counseling agencies such as Apprisen to offer debt management assistance, helping employees manage high-interest debts and access financial wellness resources to help them achieve financial goals. 

• Organize optional and budget-friendly activities like Secret Santa (with low spending limits) or white elephant gift exchanges. This way, employees can enjoy the festive spirit without feeling obligated to spend beyond their means, fostering a stress-free environment.

If you’re interested in starting or enhancing an employee financial wellness program, Apprisen can help. As a non-profit focused on financial health, we offer affordable and trusted programs to help your employees manage holiday debt and stress, helping them lead happier, healthier and more productive lives.