The Cost of Stress: How Financial Wellness Impacts Mental Health at Work

The Cost of Stress: How Financial Wellness Impacts Mental Health at Work

This Mental Health Awareness Month, explore how employers can reduce financial stress and boost employee wellbeing through strategic benefits and education.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and while conversations around workplace mental health are growing, one topic that is underdiscussed is money.

According to Securian Financial, 42% of people say money is their top source of stress. Financial anxiety doesn’t just stay at home. It shows up at work in the form of lost productivity, increased absenteeism, and lower morale. In fact, NPR reports a clear connection between job instability, money worries, and declining mental health.

So, how can employers help? The answer lies in financial wellness benefits—not just paychecks, but smart, accessible tools that empower employees to take control of their finances.

 

Financial Wellness = Mental Wellness

Employees under financial pressure are more likely to feel overwhelmed, distracted, or even depressed. A People Insight survey found that financial stress is one of the top issues employees want help addressing, but many don’t know where to turn. Employers have a unique opportunity to help by offering tools that support long-term financial security and day-to-day savings.

At RMC Group, we believe that employee wellbeing starts with education, access, and long-term planning. Here are ways we help employers support financial wellness:

1. Retirement Planning & Automatic Enrollment

When employees don’t enroll in retirement plans early, they miss years of compounding growth. Automatic enrollment and plan design services, like those guided by SECURE 2.0, make it easier for employees to save without friction.

2. HSAs & FSAs

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow employees to pay for medical expenses tax-free. They reduce financial burden and support physical and mental wellness by helping employees afford the care they need.

3. Discount Programs Through Health Insurance

We help employers maximize existing health plan benefits by highlighting built-in perks like gym memberships, wellness apps, and discounts on therapy services, often underutilized but highly impactful.

4. Financial Literacy Education

Workshops, webinars, and one-on-one coaching can demystify budgeting, debt, investing, and healthcare costs. Even small improvements in financial literacy can reduce stress significantly.

5. Personalized Plan Design

Every workforce is unique. RMC Group tailors financial wellness strategies that align with your employees’ real needs, whether that’s supporting young families with dependent care FSAs or guiding older employees toward a secure retirement.

 

Financial stress doesn’t stop at the office door—but neither does financial wellness. As an employer, offering a thoughtful, supportive benefits strategy isn’t just about attracting talent; it’s about building a healthier, more resilient workforce.

This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a step beyond surface-level wellness and invest in real change. RMC Group is here to help you design benefits that reduce stress, increase retention, and support your employees’ futures. Contact our office today to schedule a meeting to get started at 239-298-8210 or fill out our contact form.