Financial Stress and Work

Rising costs, mounting debt, and ongoing economic uncertainty are taking a toll on Alberta’s workforce. According to Money Mentors’ new 2025 Workplace and Wellness Report, financial anxiety isn’t staying at home; it’s coming to work.

In partnership with Angus Reid, we asked Albertans how money worries are affecting their productivity, focus, and overall well-being. The results paint a clear picture: when financial stress rises, work performance and mental health decline.

Key Findings

• 58% of Albertans say financial stress has affected their job performance in the past year.
• 67% say they’ve been distracted by financial worries at work in the past month.
• 19% feel money stress impacts them weekly, while 15% experience it daily.
• Nearly two-thirds (64%) are not confident they’ll be financially ready to retire at their desired age.
• 23% say they could only cover expenses for a month or less if they lost their job.
• 57% believe employers should play a role in supporting financial well-being.

Money Worries Are Impacting Focus and Morale

Many Albertans are bringing their money concerns to work, leading to lost focus, lower morale, and increased anxiety.

“Albertans are working hard, but financial worries don’t stop when the workday starts,” says Stacy Yanchuk Oleksy, CEO of Money Mentors. “When people are anxious about bills, debt, or savings, it doesn’t just affect their productivity—it touches their mental health, relationships, and overall sense of control. Employers have an incredible opportunity to make a difference by helping their teams build financial confidence.”

Many Albertans Are Living Paycheque to Paycheque

Our survey shows many workers feel unprepared for financial setbacks. When asked how long they could cover expenses if they lost their job:

• 29% said six or more months
• 27% said three to six months
• 21% said one to two months
• 17% said less than a month
• 6% said they couldn’t cover any expenses at all

These results show how close many Albertans are to financial hardship if faced with an unexpected expense or job loss.

Employers Can Make a Difference

Albertans increasingly see financial well-being as a key part of workplace wellness, and they want their employers to recognize it, too.

More than half believe workplaces should help ease financial stress, whether through budgeting workshops, access to counselling, or unbiased financial education.

At Money Mentors, we encourage Alberta employers to take proactive steps toward supporting financial wellness at work. Through our free educational sessions and confidential counselling, we help employees gain the tools and confidence they need to manage money wisely and reduce stress.

Employers can learn more or book a session by contacting
📩 education@moneymentors.ca

About the Survey

The 2025 Workplace and Wellness Report was conducted by Money Mentors in partnership with Angus Reid from October 16–21, 2025, surveying 800 employed Albertans. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of ±3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Money Mentors in the Media

Our Workplace & Wellness Report is already sparking important conversations across Alberta about the link between money, work, and well-being.
Stay tuned as more media outlets share these findings and help us keep the conversation going.

 

Supporting Financial Wellness in Alberta Workplaces

At Money Mentors, we believe financial well-being fuels both personal and professional success. As Alberta’s only non-profit credit counselling agency, we’ve been helping Albertans manage debt, build strong money habits, and plan for the future for more than 25 years.

If money worries are affecting your focus, productivity, or peace of mind, you’re not alone and help is available.

Have questions?

Need more information or want to talk to a certified financial counsellor for peace of mind? Let us help.
Call 1-888-294-0076 or fill out this form to speak with a certified financial counsellor. It’s free for all Albertans.