Part 3: Navigating Employee Financial Stress

Chapter 3: A Heart-to-Heart with Employees

Before you start, have you read the previous chapters?

Chapter 2: A Tough Meeting with Leadership

I stood at the front of the room, hands resting on the back of a chair, watching my employees settle in. Some clutched coffee cups, others folded their arms, their faces guarded. They weren’t sure what to expect.

To be honest, neither was I.

I had called this town hall because I needed to hear from them—directly, no reports, no filters. The numbers told me productivity was slipping, absenteeism was up, and stress was rising.

I’ve already spoken with the managers. But I needed to hear from the employees.

I took a breath and started.

“I know things have been tough lately,” I said. “I can see it in the numbers, but more importantly, I can see it in you.”

A few heads nodded. Others just stared.

“I don’t want to assume I know what’s going on,” I continued. “So, tell me. What’s making it harder to come to work every day? What’s weighing on you?”

Silence. People shifted in their seats. A few exchanged glances.

Finally, someone spoke.

“Honestly?” It was Marcus, one of our most reliable employees. “I’m just trying to survive. Rent keeps going up, groceries are insane, and my paycheck stretches thinner every month.”

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

“I had to pick up a second job,” another employee admitted. “I get off here and go straight to my shift at the gas station. I barely sleep.”

More voices joined in … Car payments. Medical bills. Credit card debt. Daycare costs that were more than some people’s rent.

I listened, my chest tightening with every story.

It wasn’t just stress—it was survival.

“I appreciate you sharing this,” I said after a moment. “I want you to know that I hear you. And I don’t expect you to just ‘push through it’ without support.”

A few skeptical looks. I didn’t blame them. Promises were easy. Change was hard.

“I don’t have all the answers today,” I admitted. “But I want to start finding solutions with you. Maybe it’s more flexible schedules. Maybe it’s financial wellness programs or partnerships that help stretch your dollars further.”

I paused, looking around the room.

“This company doesn’t run without you. And I need to make sure we’re taking care of the people who make this place what it is.”

A long silence. Then a few nods. A few shoulders relaxing.

It wasn’t a fix, but the managers and employees now know I have their back and am actively working on a solution. It’s a start to turning things around.

Employees are more stressed than ever. This already has or will negatively impact your numbers. We have something that will help. Check out our digital financial wellness platform, WISE Pocket of Money.

Users take advantage of our unique cash flow and cash balance forecast to make clever money decisions to expedite financial goals.

Stay tuned for the next chapter to see what this CEO does next. Chapter four is coming up.