Articles

7 reasons why financial resilience is the top business metric in 2025

13 May 2025
5 min read
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Forget after-work drinks and free snacks. The real game-changer for businesses in 2025 is financial resilience. It's not just a buzzword; it's the key to unlocking a happier, more productive, and more loyal workforce. Here's why it's the metric your business can't afford to ignore.

 

1. Employees want it (and expect it!)

Let's face it, employees aren't shy about wanting financial support. A significant 46% of UK employees believe their employer and line manager care about their financial health. That's a higher trust rating than banks (32%) or even the government (20%). In today's world, where money worries are a constant hum, employees see their employers as a crucial source of support. Companies that step up win big in the talent attraction and retention stakes.  

2. Retention rockets vs. turnover tanks

Want to keep your star players? Prioritising financial resilience is non-negotiable. A whopping 28% of employees would stay longer with an employer offering workplace savings support. Think about the flip side: a staggering 48% would ditch their current employer for one with better financial support. With over 20% of employee turnover potentially linked to financial stress, investing in resilience is a serious money-saver.

3. Engagement & productivity through the roof

Financially secure employees are engaged employees. And engaged employees are productivity powerhouses. Organisations that invest in savings support see a jaw-dropping 43% increase in employee engagement and a 40% boost in productivity. That's not just a little bump; it's a seismic shift.

4. The Empathy Gap is real (and costly)

Here's a harsh truth: leaders often misinterpret the root causes of employee financial stress. There is what’s known as an ‘empathy gap.’ Too often, financial stress is written off as a lack of knowledge, solved by financial education, a decision made by high-income business leaders, with no true knowledge of their employees’ everyday lives. But the reality is more complex than a simple lack of understanding - low income, volatile hours, and limited access to fair financial products all play a huge role in creating financial instability. Failing to understand this disconnect leads to ineffective support and missed opportunities.

5. Action > Education

Employees generally know what healthy financial behaviours look like (save more, budget better, etc.). The problem? Barriers. Inaccessible tools, income limitations, and debt prevent them from taking action. Throwing more ‘education’ at the problem simply doesn't cut it. Practical tools and accessible solutions are the real unlock for happier and healthier teams.

6. Financial stress is a productivity killer

Money worries aren't just a personal issue; they bleed into the workplace. A significant 31% of employees say that financial stress negatively impacts their work performance. That's a huge chunk of your workforce operating below their potential. Reducing financial stress unlocks focus, creativity, and overall productivity.  

7. It's about more than just paychecks

Financial resilience isn't just about how much employees earn; it's about their overall financial health. It's about savings buffers, managing debt, income stability, and access to fair credit. Employers who take a holistic view and provide support across these areas build a truly resilient workforce.  

In 2025, financial resilience isn't a perk; it's a necessity. Companies that make it a core metric will be the ones that attract the best talent, drive peak performance, and build a sustainable future.

Read more in our latest report: The Missing Metric

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