Financial Stress in 2023: 3 Problems Facing Your Workforce. 2023 is shaping up to be a tough financial year. Keep an eye out for these 3 major causes of financial stress among your employees.
Average savings decreased by 15% in 2022, according to Northwestern Mutual’s 2022 Planning & Progress Study. What’s more, data from the same study confirms that over half of U.S. adults feel somewhat or very anxious about their financial situation.
With a recession looming in 2023, helping employees bolster their financial health should be at the top of every employer’s to-do list. Here are the top 3 financial issues facing your workforce in 2023.
1. Inflation remains the top cause of financial stress for many employees.
Inflation was one of the biggest news stories throughout 2022, so it’s no surprise that rising prices remain top of mind for many employees. According to CNN, global inflation rose from 4.7% in 2021 to 8.8% this year and is projected to be at 6.5% in 2023. This growth has forced families to tighten their budgets and make tough choices about competing expenses. In a survey of roughly 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by NPR/PBS news, 72% reported having to cut at least one major expense in the wake of rising inflation.
Stress over inflation and other financial hurdles frequently follows employees into the office. Financial stress results in higher levels of absenteeism and lowered productivity. The American Institute of Stress reports that more than 275 million days of work are lost annually due to the stress of American workers.
2. Rising interest rates could slow your employees’ financial progress.
To help combat inflation, the Federal Reserve has steadily raised interest rates throughout the course of 2022. According to the Economist, the markets are expecting the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates as high as 5% in 2023. Increased interest rates may help curb inflation, but they also present a stumbling block for employees on the road to homeownership or debt repayment. This is especially true for households of color, according to data from housing research nonprofit, the Urban Institute. Many of these households are still recovering from the significant financial ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
It should be a major focus for employers to help workers assuage their fears around interest rates and provide assistance for their personal finances. Including these benefits not only increases the well-being of current staff, but also entices potential newcomers. According to Financial Wellness Magazine, 40% of employees say that financial planning and education benefits are important when deciding a new job. These programs are also increasing in importance for younger generations, so providing financial wellness programs can also set your company up for the future.
3. Slowing economic growth creates financial stress and uncertainty about the future.
Looking towards 2023, global economic prospects are the 3rd weakest since 2021, according to the International Monetary Fund. The effects of the slowdown have fully trickled down, affecting many Americans and their salaries.
According to CNBC, 60% of Americans are currently living paycheck to paycheck. Many people who are used to living comfortably have been forced to drastically cut costs and change their spending behavior. It can be difficult to pin down what areas are hurting your personal finances the most. Utilizing a comprehensive financial wellness program is an effective tool to combat your employee’s personal finance woes.
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To learn more about Best Money Moves Financial Wellness Platform, let’s schedule a call. Contact us and we’ll reach out to you soon.
