The bottom line: financial stress hurts us at the office

By Rachel Conner

Based on the results from our survey on the right hand column of this blog, stress is a big lifestyle concern within many of your companies. The pressure of meeting deadlines and company goals is hard on its own. But in this economy, that's no longer enough. Employees are now forced to outperform their company's expectations in order to ensure that they aren't included in the company's next round of layoffs. Now, I know you're probably thinking, "Isn't this a blog about fitness and nutrition? What does this have to do with either?" And you're right...this has nothing to do with hitting the gym or eating healthier foods. But it does have plenty to do with lifestyle. Concern over being able to pay off this month's bills is a concern that is taking a toll on more and more people every day throughout the country. Despite the fact that this stress is personal, it is hitting at least 25% of the employees within your company. Many employees faced with financial problems will openly admit that it negatively impacts their workplace productivity. This means it's not just hurting these employees' personal lives. There's a very good chance it's also affecting your company's bottom line. So I want to take this opportunity to plug a program we'll be implementing within the next 6 months to help you and your employees relieve some of your financial stress.




In May, my cousin, Ben (CFO, Conner Benefits), and I will be taking a roadtrip down to Nashville to get licensed to teach Dave Ramsey's Workplace Edition of his Financial Peace program. We will then take interested employees and their spouses through a 12-week program. Here are the main points we'll cover:


- Reducing your personal financial issues at home so you can focus on your jobs
- Why pension plans are a thing of the past
- A retirement plan for employees that really works
- The importance of disability and long-term care insurance
- How to stop 401(k) loans


If this perks your interest, let me know. I will be more than happy to get you more information on how we can educate you and your employees in the near future!