Part 7: Navigating Employee Financial Stress – Implementing the First Changes
Chapter 7: Implementing the First Changes
Before you start, have you read the previous chapters?
Chapter 1: The First Signs of Trouble
Chapter 2: A Tough Meeting with Leadership
Chapter 3: A Heart-to-Heart with Employees
Chapter 4: A Personal Reflection
Chapter 5: The Breaking Point – A Key Employee Resigns
Chapter 6: Shareholder Pressure Increases
I stood in the breakroom, watching my employees filter in, some grabbing coffee, others chatting in hushed voices. A few of them glanced at the flyer I had pinned to the bulletin board just an hour ago.
“Financial Wellness Workshop: Take Control of Your Money”
It was the first small step in our new initiative: free budgeting and debt management workshops, plus one-on-one sessions with financial advisors. No cost to the employees. No pressure. Just help, if they wanted it.
Lisa, my operations manager, walked in, her expression curious. “Think anyone will show up?”
“I hope so,” I admitted. “It’s just one piece of the puzzle, but if even a few people take advantage, it’s a start.”
Lisa nodded, then lowered her voice. “I also ran the updated shift flexibility policy by the team. Mixed reactions. Some are relieved, but others think it won’t make a difference.”
I sighed. Change was never instant. “It’ll take time. But at least we’re giving them options.”
As the day went on, I kept my ear to the ground, listening to feedback. Some employees were skeptical. Others were cautiously optimistic. A few seemed genuinely relieved.
Then, just before closing, Marcus, who had put in his notice the week before, stopped by my office.
“I heard about the new programs,” he said. “Wish this had happened sooner.”
I felt the weight of his words. “Me too.”
He hesitated. “If this actually helps … maybe people won’t have to make the same choice I did.”
I nodded. That was the goal.
As he walked away, I knew this was just the beginning. But for the first time in weeks, I felt something new.
Hope.
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 and our financial wellness speaking option.
Stay tuned for the next chapter to see what this CEO does next. Chapter eight is coming up.
Responses