Major employers are increasingly providing loans to employees in an attempt to combat the negative effects of financial stress in the workplace.

A survey of 250 employers by the Employee Benefit Research Institute last year found that 12 percent already offer workers the option to get paid ahead of time, often for a small fee. Four percent of those surveyed said they plan to put in place accelerated pay in the future.

Similarly, 12 percent of employers reported offering loans to workers that are repaid (with interest) via payroll deductions. Six percent said they plan to offer loans in the future.

Walmart recently began offering both types of services to its employees. On the website for its loan program, Lendly, the company says the average loan is $1,000 and that the average employee pays it back in 26 installments of $62. That amounts to a $1,600 repayment –– hardly a good deal unless you're absolutely desperate for cash.

Perhaps more promising for the average employee is Walmart's use of PayActiv, an accelerated pay system that costs workers $6 a month. The company covers the cost for one month each quarter and prohibits workers from advancing more than 50 percent of their pay.

PayActive is part of a financial wellness app, Even, which encourages users to save money.

Mary Haynes, CEO of Nazareth Home, which operates long-term care facilities in Kentucky, told the Wall Street Journal that 338 of the company's 400 employees were signed up for its accelerated pay program. Haynes said the program has helped put employees on firmer financial footing and reduced turnover.

Uber, the ride-hailing giant, is also considering offering loans to its drivers. The company has reportedly sent surveys to some of its drivers to gauge their interest in financial assistance. For Uber, however, loans are not just a way to boost retention, but may be a way for the popular but unprofitable company to finally get in the black.

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Employers offer loans, payroll advances

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