Financial wellness is integral to employee health and productivity, playing a pivotal role in employee health decisions. Therefore, as employers are beginning to recognize the need for a holistic approach to wellness, more financial wellness initiatives need to be integrated into these programs to create a healthier workforce, in the real sense of it.

Financial wellness benefits have been a growing topic of interest among employers, but before you introduce this offering to your organization, it’s important to identify why you want to make this investment in the first place. I know this one seems obvious, right? But bear with me. There are a lot of misconceptions about the role and impact of financial wellness benefits, and I want to take the time to explain how they can improve financial health—and why they’re better than other financially-focused benefits. When someone has poor financial health, they can’t manage, take action, or prepare for their current and future financial needs. This can lead to insecurity, anxiety, and stress about their financial situation.

Business leaders now more than ever have to up their financial wellness plan to better equip workers with resources and tools to improve their financial wellbeing and, in turn, productivity.