When people talk about return on investment (ROI), they usually think about stocks, bond or maybe even property. But one of the most overlooked opportunities sits right inside the workplace: Financial Upskilling of Employees. Companies that invest in structured financial literacy and wellness programs not only see happier employees but also real measurable benefits—better productivity, lower absenteeism and even higher retention rates.
Today’s workforce isn’t just asking for better salaries, they are also looking to manage what they already earn more wisely. This is where Financial Wellness programs for employees step in, supported by targeted Corporate Training courses , they build confidence around money management.
Why Financial Upskilling Matters
Money stress is one of the biggest distractions at work. According to a PwC Employee Financial Wellness Survey 2023, nearly 57% of employees reported feeling stressed about their finances. Stressed employees are less engaged, less productive and more likely to seek new jobs.
Think about it, if an employee spends hours worrying about credit card bills, EMI payments or savings shortfalls, that’s energy taken away from their core work. By offering structured financial learning opportunities, companies can cut down this stress.
SunTrust Bank’s Financial Wellness Program
One of the best documented examples of Financial Upskilling comes from SunTrust Bank (now Truist). The company rolled out a Financial Wellness program called “Momentum onUp” for employees. Within a year, participants reported
- 36% increase in feeling financially confident
- 28% more employees contributing to retirement plans
- Reduced turnover in certain business units
The ROI here wasn’t just in numbers saved on HR costs, but in employee morale. People stayed longer, worked better and trusted the employer more.
PwC’s Employee Financial Literacy Initiative
PwC itself, as a professional services firm, introduced internal programs to teach employees better money skills. They found employees who participated in financial education programs were more likely to stay with the firm, saving millions in turnover costs.
If we put some numbers: replacing an employee can cost anywhere between 30% to 200% of annual salary (depending on seniority/position in the company). So even a modest drop in attrition produces large financial savings for the company.
How Companies Measure ROI of Financial Upskilling
Companies often ask: how do we calculate ROI for something that feels “soft” like financial literacy? Here are some key metrics:
- Reduced Turnover – Attrition costs are high, and financial stress is a major driver of job-hopping.
- Increased Productivity – Less time worrying means more time focusing on work.
- Higher Participation in Benefits – Employees who understand retirement plans or insurance are more likely to use them effectively.
- Employee Engagement Scores – Companies with financial wellness benefits often see stronger engagement survey results.
For enterprises, these numbers add up. If a firm with 1,000 employees cuts attrition by just 5%, the savings can easily cross millions over a few years.
Role of Corporate Training Providers
For Indian enterprises, the challenge is even sharper. Rising cost of living, multiple loan obligations and a lack of structured financial education means many employees feel lost. Here’s where Corporate Training providers like FinX step in.
Their programs are not limited to traditional lectures but designed as part of Corporate Learning and Development, with:
- Interactive workshops
- Customized modules for salaried employees
- Coverage of advanced financial topics
This approach ensures that both junior employees and mid-senior managers get value. And because it is linked to workplace benefits, it directly supports organizational performance.
Beyond ROI: Human Impact
While numbers and ROI calculations matter, financial upskilling has another side: the human story. Employees who feel financially stable show higher loyalty and even better mental health. They are less likely to take stress leaves or seek second jobs. Families benefit too, since financial education often gets shared at home.
One employee in the SunTrust program said, “For the first time, I feel like I can take control of my money instead of it controlling me.” This sense of empowerment cannot always be measured in quarterly reports, but it shows up in long-term loyalty.
Linking Upskilling to the Bigger Picture
Corporate learning today is no longer just about leadership skills or technical knowledge. It must also include financial wellness benefits as a core pillar. For organizations looking at a competitive edge, offering the financial wellness programs may become as important as offering healthcare coverage.
And with specialized providers like FinX companies don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Instead, they can plug into tried and tested modules that make financial literacy approachable, practical, and measurable. The ROI isn’t just in cost savings. It’s in creating a workplace where employees feel valued, supported and ready to grow both financially and professionally.
