What’s the ROI of Financial Wellness? A Framework for Employers

May 7

Financial wellness isn’t a soft benefit anymore. It’s a measurable one. And like any benefit, it should be evaluated on its ability to drive outcomes that matter to your organization: retention, productivity, engagement, and benefit utilization.

But here’s the challenge: financial stress isn’t always visible, and its effects don’t show up as a clean line item on a spreadsheet.

That’s why employers need a simple, credible way to connect the dots — and to start measuring what matters.

A Practical ROI Framework

At Rolan Wealth, we guide employers to evaluate ROI across four key dimensions:

1. Retention

Financial stress is one of the top reasons employees leave — even if they like the company.

Offering real financial support helps employees feel grounded, supported, and more likely to stay through life’s transitions.

What to track:

Exit interviews (mention of pay/stability)
Retention among key or vulnerable employee groups
Voluntary turnover trends post-implementation

2. Productivity + Presenteeism

Money stress leads to distraction, fatigue, and burnout — all of which impact daily performance. When employees feel financially secure, they have more bandwidth to focus and perform.

What to track:

Self-reported productivity (via engagement surveys)
Manager feedback
Absenteeism and presenteeism rates

3. Benefit Utilization

People don’t engage with long-term benefits (like 401(k), HSA, tuition, or wellness stipends) when they’re overwhelmed by short-term financial strain.

Financial wellness helps employees take full advantage of what you already offer.

What to track:

401(k) contribution and match participation
Use of wellness stipends or FSAs
Overall benefits portal engagement

4. Healthcare Cost Trends

Financial stress is linked to chronic health issues and delayed care. When people avoid seeing a doctor or filling a prescription due to cost, downstream claims rise — and so do premiums.

What to track:

Preventive care engagement
Claims related to stress, anxiety, or unmanaged conditions
Healthcare costs over time for key cohorts

You don’t need perfect data to prove value

The best ROI strategy? Start simple:

Establish a baseline before launch
Pick 2–3 metrics aligned with your goals
Track what’s changing over time

Even directional improvements — like a drop in financial stress scores or higher benefit usage — are powerful indicators that your investment is working.

We can help you build the case

Rolan Wealth isn’t just a tool — it’s a partner in helping you deliver and measure impact. We support organizations with digital financial planning, 1:1 access to real planners, and simple ways to track engagement and outcomes.

If you're ready to make financial wellness part of your strategy — and prove it’s working — let’s build a plan together.

Let’s talk: info@rolanwealth.com