Higher Pay Isn’t Everything: Survey Finds Less Stressed Employees Have This in Common
A Survey of Financial Wellness Among U.S. Workers Who Budget
YNAB 2022
Abstract: A pandemic survey of U.S. workers finds that those who have personal budgets are less stressed than typical workers.
Introduction
YNAB surveyed over 3,000 full-time employed U.S. workers and found a significantly higher level of financial wellness and lower stress among employees who have a personal budget than the general population of workers.
The YNAB Employee Financial Wellness Survey found that U.S. employees with a budget:
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Experienced lower financial stress during the pandemic.
24% of those with a budget felt stressed during the pandemic (compared to 63% in the general U.S. workforce).
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Are better equipped for emergencies.
93% of those with a budget could cover an unexpected $1,000 emergency (compared to 62% in the general U.S. workforce).
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Are less likely to experience critical cash situations.
Only 2% of those with a budget have requested a PayDay loan or pay advance in the past year (compared to 58% in the general U.S. workforce).
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Are on track for retirement.
Just 9% of those with a budget plan to postpone retirement due to financial stress (compared to over 50% in the general U.S. workforce).
Employees who maintained a budget experienced significantly lower levels of stress and distraction at work during the pandemic.
U.S. employees who had a budget during the pandemic experienced financial stress at a lesser rate than PwC’s Employee Financial Wellness Survey respondents.
24% of employees with a budget (YNAB) reported experiencing increased financial stress during the pandemic compared to 63% of general U.S. workers (PwC, 2021)
Budgeting allowed employees to take total control of their money, plan for the future, and prepare for unforeseen events. These workers were better able to manage the financial pressures of the pandemic with less of an impact on their well-being during office hours.
27% of employees with a budget (YNAB) reported feeling financial stress during work hours compared to 57% of general U.S. workers (PwC, 2021)
Employees who maintain a budget are better equipped to handle financial emergencies like sudden medical expenses.
Employees with a budget save in advance for non-monthly expenses (the costs that aren’t a matter of if, but a matter of when). In the event of unforeseen circumstances like car repairs or medical emergencies, employees who budget can stay calm, cool, and collected at work because they’re financially prepared at home.
- 79% of employees with a budget (YNAB) could meet their basic expenses if they were out of work for more than a month vs. 47% of general U.S. workers (PwC, 2021)
- 93% of employees with a budget (YNAB) could cover a $1,000 emergency with their current savings vs. 62% of general U.S. workers (PwC, 2020)
Employees who maintain a budget are less likely to experience critical cash situations.
When employees feel financial stress, they carry it into work with them. If they’re too stretched financially to meet household expenses or caught in the throes of payday loans, stress can wreak havoc on focus, productivity, and collaboration—or lead to faster burnout. U.S. employees with a budget were better able to avoid the critical cash situations altogether.
- 13% of employees with a budget (YNAB) reported struggling to meet their household expenses on time each month vs. 67% of general U.S. workers* (PwC, 2022)
- 2% of employees with a budget (YNAB) requested a payday loan or payday advance in the past year vs. 58% of general U.S. workers (PwC)
*Among employees who say that their financial worries have had a severe or major negative impact on their productivity at work.
Employees who maintain a budget are on track for retirement amidst rising costs and pandemic-related financial stress.
This study showed that 17.5 million U.S. workers who contribute to retirement funds don’t get their employer’s full 401(k) match…simply because they don’t feel they can afford to put more money into their plan. Employees with a budget were better financially prepared for retirement and were less likely to postpone it.
- 5% of employees with a budget (YNAB) will likely use money saved in retirement accounts for reasons other than retirement vs. ~49% of general U.S. workers (2021)
- 9% of employees with a budget (YNAB) plan to postpone retirement due to financial stress vs. 50%+ of general U.S. workers* (2020)
*Among employees who say that their financial worries have had a severe or major negative impact on their productivity at work.
Conclusion
When employees are stressed about their personal finances, they’re more likely to be distracted at work, search for higher pay, work multiple jobs to make ends meet, or seek out organizations that care more about their financial well-being.
What’s more, PwC’s study found over 50% of financially-stressed employees who are distracted by their finances at work spend three hours or more each week dealing with personal money issues during office hours.
With access to a central money management tool as part of a benefits package, both the employee and employer can gain those productive hours back. With money stress off their shoulders, team members are free to do their best work.
“Employers who direct their employees to financial wellness resources to help alleviate stress have the potential to reap tangible gains in employee focus and productivity.”
About the YNAB Employee Financial Wellness Survey
In March 2022, YNAB conducted an online survey of over 3,000 full-time employed U.S. adults with a budget to compare with PwC’s 2020, 2021, and 2022 survey data, which tracks the financial well-being of general U.S. workers.
We recognize there are potential differences in the groups compared in this survey report, given that PwC does not disclose the demographic information or income levels of their survey respondents. YNAB’s 2022 survey data was compared to PwC Employee Financial Wellness Survey data from years 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Related Services
Amidst workforce trends like the “Great Resignation” and “quiet quitting,” YNAB developed a new benefit program for employers to re-engage their employees and build happier, more productive teams. Introducing Financial Wellness by YNAB!
This compensation amplification system improves employee well-being and retention by providing access to a life-changing money management app and financial education. With total control of their money, employees can focus on work instead of money woes.
