Why Financial Wellness Platforms Are Key to Employee Success
Financial wellness platforms help employees manage their finances with tools for budgeting, saving, investing, and expert support. Learn how these comprehensive solutions drive productivity, engagement, and long-term success.
By Austin Payne
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Published 11.25.2024
Why Financial Wellness Platforms Are Key to Employee Success
Nowadays, money is integral in almost all aspects of our modern lives. As a result, employees face a range of financial challenges that can affect not only their personal lives but also their professional well-being, and the data bears this truth out. A significant portion of employees — about 57% — report finances being the top source of stress in their lives, a burden that often finds its way into their workplace.
This financial anxiety can lead to decreased productivity, higher absenteeism, and increased healthcare costs. In fact, studies have shown that financial stress can cost employers up to $250 billion annually in lost productivity.
So, how do we fix this under-addressed problem? The most viable solution—financial wellness platforms that provide employees with the support they need to succeed, both personally and professionally.
Don’t Leave Employees Hanging—Financial Wellness Platforms Empower Employees to Build Wealth
Employees want to feel supported throughout their journey with money, not just handed benefits and left hanging. While many employers provide a base level of financial benefits — like health insurance or retirement plans — they often overlook the broader financial needs of their employees. A financial wellness platform addresses this gap, offering employees the resources to take control of their finances, make informed decisions, and ultimately build wealth.
When employees feel secure in their financial situation, they are more focused, less stressed, and more engaged at work. Financial wellness is no longer a luxury; it's a key factor in overall employee success. Providing employees with a comprehensive financial wellness platform creates a win-win situation for both the workforce and the company as a whole.
What a Good Financial Wellness Platform Will Include
For a financial wellness platform to be truly effective, it needs to offer a comprehensive, user-friendly experience that empowers employees to take action. Here’s a breakdown of the key features that make a platform stand out:
#1: A Holistic, Comprehensive Overview of Their Financial Situation
A strong financial wellness platform gives employees a clear, 360-degree view of their financial health. This includes tracking assets, liabilities, spending habits, savings goals, and more. By giving employees a comprehensive snapshot of their financial situation, they can make informed decisions about where they need to focus their efforts.
Whether it’s managing debt, increasing savings, or investing for the future, a good platform enables employees to see the full picture and take actionable steps toward financial stability. This transparency and clarity are crucial for helping employees build wealth over time.
#2: The Ability to Engage With, Customize, Simulate, and Manipulate Their Data
A financial wellness platform should not just provide static data; rather, it should also allow employees to interact with it. Employees should be able to customize their financial overview by tagging transactions, adjusting budgets, and setting new goals. This level of engagement makes the platform more than just a tool for tracking — it becomes an interactive resource for financial planning.
#3: The Ability to Budget, Save, and Invest in the Same Place
When it comes to managing personal finances, having multiple disconnected tools can cause more stress than it alleviates. Employees shouldn’t have to jump between different apps or services to manage their money. A good financial wellness platform integrates budgeting, saving, and investing into one seamless experience.
With a unified platform, employees can manage their day-to-day budgeting, set aside savings, and explore investment options all in one place. This integration simplifies the process and reduces friction, making it easier for employees to stay on top of their financial goals.
Employees can budget, save at a competitive yield, and invest all within the same Origin platform. This streamlined experience makes it easier for employees to make informed financial decisions and track their progress toward their goals.
#4: Comprehensive Financial Solution—Includes Important Aspects Like Taxes and Estate Planning
Financial wellness isn’t just about net worth or retirement savings; it’s about addressing the broader aspects of an employee’s financial life. A comprehensive financial wellness platform should include tools and resources for handling taxes, estate planning, and other crucial aspects of personal finance.
For instance, Origin not only provides budgeting, saving, and investing tools, but we also offer often overlooked aspects of financial wellness, such as tax filing services and estate planning resources. These services help employees navigate complex financial areas that they might otherwise ignore or struggle with, ensuring that their financial picture is as complete and accurate as possible.
#5: Empowerment Through Learning
A lack of understanding is often one of the primary sources of financial anxiety. When employees don’t fully grasp concepts like tax laws, credit scores, or how to manage debt, it can create unnecessary stress. Financial wellness platforms should offer education that empowers employees to make informed financial decisions with confidence.
Origin’s Learn Suite provides employees with a range of on-demand financial lessons on everything from budgeting basics to more advanced topics like tax strategies and retirement planning. These lessons are designed to be interactive, with quizzes and articles that cater to different learning styles. By offering continuous education, employers can help employees build the financial literacy needed to navigate their personal finances — and reduce financial anxiety in the process.
#6: Access to Professionals Who Can Support Them
Sometimes, employees need expert guidance to navigate complex financial situations. Whether it’s understanding how to maximize deductions on their taxes or making decisions about estate planning, financial decisions can often be overwhelming.
Having access to financial professionals — such as Certified Financial Planners®️ — can provide employees with the support they need to make confident, informed decisions about their finances. Whether employees need personalized advice on investments, retirement planning, or tax filing, Origin offers employees access to professional guidance for a wide range of situations.
This support can help employees address specific questions, review their financial strategies, and ensure they are on track to meet their goals.
Origin—Your All-Inclusive Solution
Origin is tailored to meet the diverse needs of your workforce, offering a wide range of financial wellness benefits that integrate seamlessly into your existing programs. With Origin, your employees will gain access to a comprehensive money management platform with resources that enhance financial literacy, provide real-time guidance, and promote overall well-being.
Investing in your employees' financial futures improves their quality of life while boosting productivity and loyalty within your organization. Explore how Origin can be your all-in-one solution for a healthier, happier workforce. Learn more about our offerings for employers at Origin for Employers, and discover our comprehensive platform at Use Origin.