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There’s a meeting on your calendar called “Burnout Strategy.” There’s a Slack message from a manager about someone calling out again. There’s a quiet uptick in EAP usage… and also some eyebrow-raising Glassdoor reviews.
You're not imagining it.
The financial strain employees are feeling due to inflation, rising costs, and economic uncertainty isn’t staying at home. It’s walking through your front door every morning—and showing up in disengagement, absenteeism, and burnout.
And unlike a budget shortfall or an open req, financial stress doesn’t announce itself. It whispers. It festers. And eventually, it breaks.
The data is clear: financial stress is one of the top contributors to poor mental health. It creates anxiety, depression, shame, and even physical health issues. And when that pressure builds up, it doesn’t just affect how employees feel—it affects how they perform.
Here’s what that looks like on the ground:
The trouble is, you don’t see “financial stress” listed on a PTO request. You see “stomach bug” or “family emergency.” And that makes it easy to miss the root cause.
Sure, employees want to make more money. But just as importantly, they want to feel in control of their financial lives. And in this economy, that’s increasingly rare.
Financial instability doesn’t just make people anxious—it makes them feel isolated. Like they’re the only one struggling to pay down debt or cover their kid’s braces. That isolation leads to shame, and shame leads to silence. And silence? That’s a culture killer.
You can’t solve everything with a raise. But you can offer tools that help people find clarity and confidence in their finances—and that can change everything.
Your Money Line isn’t just about numbers—it’s about emotional relief.
When employees can talk confidentially to a financial expert, get answers to their “dumb” questions, and create a plan that feels possible, the emotional weight starts to lift.
Here’s what that looks like:
We help employees find financial calm so they can bring their best selves to work.
Mental health conversations are happening. DEI conversations are happening. Flexibility and well-being are top priorities. But if you’re not talking about financial stress in that same breath, you’re missing a huge piece of the puzzle.
You’re not just responsible for your employees’ productivity—you’re stewarding their experience. And right now, that experience is shaped by economic pressure they didn’t ask for and can’t ignore.
By giving your workforce access to real financial guidance, you’re not just checking a benefits box—you’re showing up when it matters most. And that’s what real leadership looks like.
(aka Pete the Planner®) is an award-winning financial expert and a recognized leader in the field of financial wellness. As the CEO and Founder of Your Money Line, Pete has built a pioneering company in employee financial wellness benefits. A seasoned columnist for USA TODAY, author of ten books, and the host of the widely acclaimed Pete the Planner Show, Pete’s insights are highly sought after. He regularly appears on TV and syndicated radio, offering expertise that’s trusted across the nation. Recognized by the Indiana Business Journal as one of Indiana’s 250 most influential leaders, Pete stands as one of the foremost voices in financial wellness today.
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