Over Half of Employees Feel Embarrassed About Their Financial Literacy

LONDON, UK, WEDNESDAY 21ST FEBRUARY 2024

Over Half of Employees Feel Embarrassed About Their Financial Literacy, Survey Reveals

New research from employee benefits and engagement leader Pluxee UK shows discomfort among employees in discussing their financial knowledge, with 51 per cent admitting embarrassment about their financial literacy.
Less than half (46 per cent) of HR professionals foster a culture of openness about financial concerns, and only 16% of workers feel they have this kind of support at work.
Nearly half (48 per cent) of employees say there is a lack of financial wellbeing support from their employers, highlighting a gap between employer initiatives and employee needs.

More than half of UK employees (51 per cent) are embarrassed about their level of financial literacy, according to a new survey by leading employee benefits and engagement partner, Pluxee UK.

In the midst of rising living costs, the current UK workplace has overlooked the crucial necessity of providing employees with essential financial education. Consequently, workers grapple with financial challenges, impacting both their health and accumulating debt.

The research finds that only 46 per cent of HR professionals actively promote a culture of financial openness, with a mere 16% of employees actually feeling this support at work. This significant gap underscores the challenge in creating supportive workplace environments for financial discussions, with nearly half (48 per cent) of surveyed employees stating that their employer does not offer any financial wellbeing support.

This lack of financial support, coupled with the stigma surrounding money issues, hinders employees from seeking help. To cultivate a supportive workplace, businesses must not only bridge this gap but also address the discomfort associated with discussing financial challenges.

The impact of this financial unease is reflected in the anxiety experienced by the UK workforce, with three-quarters (75 per cent) worrying about money at least monthly or more often, and over a quarter (26 per cent) dealing with daily concerns. The survey also reveals a reliance on friends/family (43 per cent) and search engines (29 per cent) for financial education, while only 12 per cent turn to their employers for advice.

Amidst this financial unease, the survey highlights around 2 in 5 (41 per cent) employees surveyed are currently in debt— of those who are in debt, a fifth (20 per cent) say it’s not manageable.

Recognising the need for change, HR professionals acknowledge their role in supporting employees. Three-quarters (75 per cent) believe they need to do more to enhance financial wellbeing, with 84 per cent stating that the current cost of living crisis has heightened the importance of supporting their workforce’s financial wellbeing.

This acknowledgment stems from increased demand, as 68 per cent of HR professionals report a surge in requests for financial education or support initiatives in the past year. On average, almost a fifth (19 per cent) of their current workforce proactively approached them seeking financial wellbeing support. Overall, it’s clear that current support is not enough to meet the demand.

Employers are also recognising the tangible impact of poor financial wellbeing on their teams. Over half (53 per cent) of HR professionals have witnessed negative effects on employees, including increased stress (66 per cent), decreased productivity due to distraction (62 per cent), lowered confidence (39 per cent), and an increased likelihood of taking sick leave (35 per cent).

Burcin Ressamoglu, CEO at Pluxee UK, stressed the urgency of breaking the silence surrounding financial literacy at work, “We've seen from the research that many individuals have entered the workforce with limited financial knowledge. Employers play a big role in helping with financial smarts and overall wellbeing by promoting financial openness and offering guidance, as well as access to relevant resources. Taking care of their people’s financial wellbeing is just as important as their overall health for a happy and engaged workforce.”

Ressamoglu continues, “As leaders, we must educate and empower our workforce by building a culture of financial knowledge and offering tangible support where we can through workplace benefits and initiatives. Let's make financial literacy a shared conversation and responsibility."

For a comprehensive exploration of how to support employees with their financial wellbeing, download the Money Mastery: A Spotlight On Employee Financial Wellbeing guide now.

ABOUT PLUXEE UK

Pluxee is a global leader in employee benefits and engagement that operates in 31 countries. Pluxee helps companies attract and retain talent thanks to a broad range of benefits and engagement solutions across Meal & Food, Wellbeing, Lifestyle, Reward & Recognition, and Public Benefits.

Powered by leading technology and more than 5,000 engaged team members, Pluxee acts as a trusted partner within a highly interconnected B2B2C ecosystem made up of more than 500,000 clients, 36 million consumers and 1.7 million merchants. Conducting its business as a trusted partner for more than 45 years, Pluxee is committed to creating a positive impact on all its stakeholders, from driving business to local communities, to supporting wellbeing at work for employees while protecting the planet.

In the UK, Pluxee offers award-winning employee benefits, rewards and recognition all designed to bring more value to people. Pluxee is committed to increase its influence as CSR leader by giving its clients, partners and consumers the means to make more sustainable choices every day.

For more information: www.pluxee.uk

Media Contact
Lottie Hutchins
Octopus Group
Email: pluxee@octopusgrp.com