Improving employee financial wellness in an age of unprecedented change

In a time marked by ongoing financial pressure and rising household costs, employee wellbeing has never been more important. The April 2025 FSC Financial Resilience Index shows that 60% of New Zealanders feel financially vulnerable, a clear sign that workplace support for financial literacy must continue to evolve to meet the moment.

The recent decision by the New Zealand Government to introduce financial literacy into the school curriculum is a fantastic step forward for the next generation. It means our kids will grow up with stronger money management skills, but it also highlights the urgent need to support the adults raising them right now. Many parents are still struggling with budgeting, debt management, and financial planning, and without the right tools, the cycle continues. That’s where employers can play a powerful role.

At Footprint, we’ve always believed that financial education is a critical part of overall wellbeing. It should be easy to access, practical, and tailored to everyday life. Our digital employee benefits platform, Footprint Connect, offers essential financial tools, expert-led planning support, and estate protection in one secure place. It’s designed to help employees take control of their money and protect what matters most, wherever they are.

Adapting to today’s workforce needs

Many employers continue to navigate economic shifts, changing employee expectations, and budget constraints. Meanwhile, the average Kiwi household faces growing debt, low insurance coverage, and limited ability to manage financial shocks - issues that impact both wellbeing and workplace performance.

As we move into a new financial year for some, the pressure is on to offer benefits that deliver real impact. For many employers, that means choosing smart, scalable solutions that support long-term resilience while keeping people at the heart of the strategy.

A wider approach to financial wellness

With financial literacy gaps in New Zealand spanning everything from budgeting and saving to retirement planning, we expand on our Will It Package and provide My Financial Footprint.  

My Financial Footprint is a DIY digital workbench of tools and resources designed to support financial planning for real life, whether that’s saving for a trip, starting a family, buying a home, or creating an emergency buffer for life’s curveballs. It enables self-paced, independent learning with curated content from both trusted public resources and exclusive Footprint materials. Bite-sized videos presented by industry experts cover key topics like:

• Budgeting

• Debt management

• Investing

• Saving

• Types of insurance

• Planning for retirement

It’s an ideal solution for employers wanting to offer a standalone financial wellness benefit or an extension to existing programmes.

Supporting employees through change

Footprint also offers ADAPT™, a unique, self-directed life coaching model exclusive to Footprint Connect. Developed with a life-coaching psychology approach in mind to help employees understand their relationship and beliefs regarding money or any other goal.

All our employee benefit packages are delivered via our secure digital platform, giving employees the freedom to learn at their own pace, in their own time – wherever they are in the world. Whether used as a standalone solution or part of a broader benefits programme, Footprint Connect helps your people feel more informed and better prepared for the future.

Want to explore how it could work in your workplace?
Visit www.footprintconnect.co.nz to learn more or book a demo.