Tackling financial stress: Workers are in ‘crisis mode’ (and need solutions)

A survey of more than 34,000 people shows the heightened financial-based stress that American workers are feeling in an uncertain economic climate.

The survey from Financial Finesse, an independent provider of workplace financial wellness programs, found that 13% of respondents said they were in crisis mode – behind on bills and struggling to meet basic needs – and another 64% identified themselves as struggling – trying to get a handle on debt, cash flow and saving for emergencies. Meanwhile, the percentage of financially resilient workers dropped from 37% in 2021 to 32% in 2022, reflecting the pressure of inflation on household finances, according to a report, “Workplace Financial Wellness in America,” that accompanied the survey.

Those who reported a high or overwhelming level of financial stress rose from 20% in 2021 to 27% in 2022. Of particular interest to advisors, said Liz Davidson, CEO of Financial Finesse, in a webinar about the report, was that those who said they worry about the U.S. economy, the stock market and how it will affect their financial future rose from 38% to 43%.