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Hospitality’s Breaking Point: Staff Stressed as Financial Worries Surge

  • Writer: Sarah-Jayne Gratton
    Sarah-Jayne Gratton
  • Jul 17
  • 2 min read

New research has been published which shows financial stress as the top concern for UK employees – with hospitality employees feeling the strain more than any other sector.

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Over half of hospitality workers (52 per cent) worry about money at least once a week – an 8per cent increase on the UK average and the retail and healthcare sectors. A quarter have no savings, while nearly half (49 per cent) have £500 or less. For many, saving feels out of reach entirely: 45 per cent say putting money aside this year is simply unrealistic. Income volatility also plays a role, with 53 per cent experiencing fluctuating earnings – the highest of any sector.


Despite these challenges, the research points to a clear upside for forward-thinking employers focussing on building the financial resilience of their people:


  • 30 per cent of hospitality workers would stay with their employer for longer if supported with saving

  • 52 per cent would move roles for better financial benefits

  • Employers investing in this area see a 43 per cent rise in engagement and a 40per cent boost in productivity

  • Hospitality workers who save regularly report higher confidence and wellbeing. One in three feel proud and nearly a third (29 per cent) say doubling their savings would feel better than a paid week off.


Many employers have started to take action, with 57 per cent of hospitality employers now offering some form of financial wellbeing support. Workers are taking notice – 45 per cent believe their employer cares about their financial health, more than banks (28 per cent) or the government (17 per cent). Yet only one in five believe their diverse needs are being met, signalling room for improvement.


To close that gap, the research recommends employers offer inclusive tools designed to improve the short, medium and long-term financial health of their people. Tools like flexible pay, savings schemes, fair, affordable loans, budgeting support and money coaching are proven to improve to build financial resilience.


The report highlights savings on an opt-out rather than an opt-in basis is a powerful way to increase savings participation; 66per cent of employees want saving to be automatic and effortless as pensions. Addressing income volatility is also key – employers can adopt standards like the Living Wage Foundation’s ‘Living Hours’ to provide predictable hours and pay, mitigating a key driver of financial instability for hospitality employees.


“Hospitality teams are facing real financial pressure, but they are also telling us what would make a difference,” says Prelini Udayan-Chiechi, Chief Marketing Officer at Wagestream. “By offering support designed to build financial resilience employers can not only improve wellbeing, but also unlock stronger performance, lower turnover and more motivated teams. In today’s climate, financial resilience isn’t a perk, it’s a powerful driver of business success.”



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