Integrating financial well-being into your company's overall well-being strategy
Financial well-being is a key pillar in an holistic approach to overall well-being
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While in today’s business environment employee well-being is a top priority, their financial health is often overlooked. Discover in an engaging keynote the importance of financial literacy and why it is crucial for the resilience of every individual. Financial well-being is an essential component of a comprehensive well-being strategy. Its influence extends far beyond personal well-being and resilience, and Els will explore this in greater depth. She will demonstrate that, by investing in financial literacy, employers can not only support their employees in building resilience and well-being but also reduce the costs associated with financial stress. At the end of this session, there will be no doubt that financial matters must be integrated into the overall well-being package for employees.
This keynote is designed for CEOs, managers, HR officers, team leaders, project managers, training coordinators, well-being officers, and all other leaders who want to understand the importance of financial well-being. It will provide insights on how you can support employees in this area through your role and within your company or organisation.
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The Root of the Problem: Financial Stress
Els begins by addressing the root cause of the issue: financial stress. This is a significant contributor to the overall stress levels of employees. Research shows that having control over financial matters is crucial for experiencing happiness. Financial stress has far-reaching consequences, both for individuals and employers. Els will elaborate on these consequences, emphasizing that it is critical to understand that financial stress not only causes discomfort but also induces substantial costs. Financial stress affects employers through increased absenteeism, lower engagement, and diminished performance.
The Belgian Reality: Financial Health and Literacy
Financial stress is a well-known issue globally, and the statistics in Belgium are also startling. Els will highlight some figures that provide insight into the financial health, literacy, and well-being of Belgians. The good news is that high financial stress and low financial resilience can be reversed by investing in financial education.
The Solution: Investing in Financial Education
Els will briefly outline what financial education entails and why it is a vital investment for companies. Europe is already taking steps to improve financial literacy among its citizens, and companies can play a leading role in this effort. Financial education in the workplace offers numerous benefits: it not only boosts productivity and employee motivation but also enhances loyalty. Additionally, a strong focus on financial resilience makes it easier to attract new talent. Supporting your employees' financial well-being aligns with the social aspect of your ESG strategy. It can significantly enhance your company’s reputation as a responsible and caring employer. The societal relevance of this effort provides a measurable return in the long term.
Practical Actions: Examples and Inspiration
Els will share practical examples of initiatives that companies can implement to improve their employees' financial well-being. With these insights, it becomes clear that a financial well-being strategy should be an integral part of your overall well-being policy. After this keynote, you will be ready to start developing a financial well-being strategy for your organization.
Keynote by
Els Lagrou is an inspirational speaker and entrepreneur dedicated to enhancing the financial resilience of employees, thereby contributing to their well-being and happiness.
She has a rich background in finance. She worked in commercial banks and at the Financial Security and Markets Authority (FSMA). After the financial crisis in 2008 she worked for 7 years at Wikifin, the financial education program of the FSMA. Her extensive expertise led her to the OECD in Paris, where she coordinated projects on financial literacy, well-being, and resilience in 7 different countries. Through the international network on financial education (OECD/INFE), she gathered and shared knowledge, insights, and best practices with experts from 130 countries.
In 2023, Els founded Dagelijks Geld.
Els’s mission includes reducing financial stress and empowering employees to take control of their money matters, leading to financial resilience. It's a win-win situation for both employees and employers.
Speaker and entrepreneur passionate about boosting financial empowerment for well-being and happiness
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