In today’s inflationary climate, many Australians are feeling the pinch. But for employers, this presents a strategic opportunity: helping your employees develop money habits that not only ease current pressures but also set them up for a more secure retirement.
Adviser and client
Why financial habits matter in the workplace
Financial stress can impact employee wellbeing, productivity, and engagement. As an employer, by promoting financial literacy and offering tools to build strong money habits, you can foster a more resilient and focused workforce.
Three ways employers can help
Major financial changes can trigger a range of responses, from impulsive spending to anxiety about financial decisions. These reactions may affect workplace performance, especially if employees are navigating complex financial, legal, or emotional issues.
1. Encourage budgeting and cost awareness
The Aware Super Retirement Study 2025 found that 88% of people worry about exhausting their savings and 63% believe super won’t be enough. Many also feel uncertain about whether their income will last, especially in the first two years of retirement.
Employers can help by:
- Offering budgeting workshops or webinars.
- Providing access to tools that help employees categorise spending into essentials, lifestyle, and discretionary items.
- Sharing resources like retirement lifestyle planning guides to help employees visualise future needs.
2. Support investment education
Employees may not realise that a significant portion of their retirement income will come from investment returns. Employers can:
- Promote awareness of superannuation investment strategies.
- Encourage regular check-ins with financial advisers.[AD1]
- Share insights on retirement income accounts and how they can help manage inflation risk.
3. Highlight income boosting options
Many employees worry about having enough income in retirement. Employers can help by:
- Educating staff on Centrelink benefits and eligibility.
- Promoting flexible work arrangements, including part-time roles for older workers.
- Sharing resources on starting a side hustle or downsizing strategies.
To maintain an engaged, productive workforce it’s important that you recognise the challenges your employees may be likely to face. By equipping your teams with information and resources, you’re setting yourself up for a stronger, more empowered workforce.
Where to next
[AD1] Advice provided by Aware Financial Services Australia Limited (ABN 86 003 742 756, AFSL 238430), wholly owned by Aware Super.