Money Stress is Mental Stress: Workplace Financial Wellness

Event Overview

Financial stress is one of the leading—and often most overlooked—drivers of employee anxiety, burnout, and distraction at work. When employees are worried about money, it affects productivity, engagement, and overall well-being.

This session will explore the powerful connection between financial health and mental health, and why investing in financial wellness is a critical business strategy. Through expert insights, data, and real-world examples, attendees will gain a clear understanding of how financial stress shows up in the workplace—and what organizations can do about it.

Why Attend

Understand how financial stress impacts employee mental health and performance
Learn the ROI behind financial wellness programs
Explore strategies to support employees across diverse financial situations
Hear data-driven insights from economists and benefits leaders
Walk away with actionable ideas to improve your organization’s offerings

PRELIMINARY AGENDA

8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration & Breakfast

9:00 – 9:15 AM | Welcome & Economic Context
Understanding financial stress trends and workforce impact

9:15 – 9:45 AM | Keynote: The Psychology of Money & Stress

How money beliefs influence behavior
The link between financial stress and mental health
Why traditional benefits fall short

9:45 – 10:30 AM | Panel: Financial Wellness That Works
Featuring leaders from Zions Bank, WCF Insurance, and Mountain America Credit Union

Designing impactful programs
Measuring ROI and engagement
Supporting diverse employee needs

10:30 – 10:40 AM | Pause

10:40 – 11:20 AM | Expert Insights: Data, Benefits & Behavior
Featuring experts from Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute and Huntsman Mental Health Institute

11:20 – 11:45 AM | Case Study: From Strategy to Impact

11:50 AM – 12:00 PM | Take It Back to Work

A fast-paced closing with 5 things employers can do now to strengthen financial well-being as part of a broader workplace mental health strategy.

Who Should Attend

This event is ideal for:

HR and benefits leaders
Business owners and executives
Finance and compensation professionals
Employee well-being leaders
CSR and people & culture teams
Anyone focused on retention, productivity, or workforce health

About the Series

The Workplace Mental Health & Well-Being Series is part of the Salt Lake Chamber Foundation’s ongoing commitment to equipping Utah employers with practical, evidence-based strategies that support mental health and well-being in the workplace.

This series has engaged hundreds of HR and culture leaders across the state, delivering actionable takeaways, meaningful conversation, and strong peer connection.