Employers have anopportunity to support financial well-being in a time whenemployees need it most. And they can approach it just as they doareas of well-being, like physical, emotional and work. (Photo:Shutterstock)

Government employees just missed their second paycheck, forcingmany families to dip into savings or worse – make impossible choicesbetween childcare, rent, food and other basic needs.

With 40 percent of Americans unable to cover a $400 emergencyexpense, the shutdown is highlighting the lack of financial well-being among even the hardestworking professionals.

And it's not just a problem in the public sector.

Financial strain is a silent stressor for more than half of U.S.employees who report spending hours at work thinking about theirfinances.

A 2018 PwC study found that 42 percent of employees will usemoney held in retirement plans for expenses other than retirement.That number is even higher among employees who are stressed abouttheir finances or impacted by student loans.

Employers have an opportunity to support financial well-being ina time when employees need it most. And they can approach it justas they do areas of well-being, like physical, emotional andwork.

In fact, the PwC study found that financial well-beingresources, like unbiased counselors and support navigatingbenefits, are the most desired benefits from employees.

Here are five ways you — as an employer — can help your peoplebecome more financially sound:

1. Show that you care

At the company I head, we believe every employee should knowtheir company cares. It's the key to a happy, healthy andhigh-performing workplace.

But I'm not talking about compensation, benefits or raises. Thiscomes down to the day-to-day interactions you have with youremployees.

You might listen to what your employees have to say, but do youreally hear them? Take employee feedback seriously to tackle notonly professional roadblocks but personal ones too.

Finances can be a sensitive subject, so do what you can to meetthen where they are and provide resources that help them alongtheir financial journey. When you cultivate a relationship builtoff caring and trust, it sets everyone up for success.

2. Know where you stand

Have you addressed stress in your workforce? Do you know howmany employees are under severe stress or what the cause is?

Start by figuring out your numbers. You can do this with acomprehensive well-being assessment that addresses specific needsof your company and your employees — including financial.

Consider incorporating questions like, “I am satisfied with mycurrent financial situation,” “I live paycheck to paycheck,” or“Financial stress is taking a toll on me,” to help give you a pulseon your workforce.

3. Educate and encourage retirement savings

Saving for retirement is a lot easier than most people think. Infact, a 401(k) is one of the most painless paths to financialhealth.

Over time, 401(k) contributions add up fast. And can make a hugeimpact on your savings.

Most companies have an annual meeting around enrollment datesand important information, but it's really up to the employee toact on their retirement plan.

Consider teaching key financial principles throughlunch-and-learns or “town halls.” Cover topics like paycheckdiscipline, taxes and the time-value of money.

You can even incorporate financial activities into your employeeengagement program — think short videos, success stories fromretired employees or challenges around savings and contributing toretirement.

Take it a step further and set up 401(k) auto-enrollment soemployees are set up to succeed from the start.

4. Bring in experts to cover the basics

Small meetings and lunch discussions are great, but advice froma financial expert or credentialed professional can changelives.

Bring in experts to hold informal workshops to go over thebasics of savings, 401(k) plans, investing and more. As much as yousupport your employees' financial well-being, you can't expect themto know all that their benefits offer.

Break it down through smaller sessions with an unbiased experttaking the lead. Whether it's budgeting or eliminating debt,ongoing financial workshops will help your employees reach theirfinancial goals.

5. Focus on stress management

Stress appears in many different forms — problems at home,relationship issues, pressure at work – and money. Financialcounselors and stress management resources are an easy way to teachstress management skills that will ultimately benefit youremployees' financial health.

With the right skills and proper support, employees have theopportunity to learn from their past financial mistakes and tacklemoney concerns in a strategic and thoughtful way.

Let's face it — life is stressful. And there's no easy fix. Asmuch as you might want to, you can't give everyone a raise toreduce financial stress and even if you could, financial worriesdon't vanish when wallets fatten.

Help your employees address financial concerns with positivebehavioral approaches that teach and encourage financialwell-being.

They'll feel more prepared to give you their best – and to feelmore confident in today's ever-changing political and economiclandscape.

Henry Albrecht is CEO of Limeade, an employeeexperience software company.