Dear HR Manager | Supporting Financial Wellbeing, Not Advising
How can we support employees’ financial wellbeing without becoming their financial advisor?
– Supporting, Not Advising
Dear Supporting, Not Advising,
This is a concern many employers share, and the distinction is an important one.
HR should focus on providing education, access, and awareness, not individualized financial advice.
Consider offering educational webinars, budgeting resources, retirement planning tools, student loan information, or access to independent financial professionals through your benefits program. These resources empower employees to make informed decisions without placing the organization in the role of personal financial advisor.
It is also helpful to communicate throughout the year, not just during open enrollment. Short reminders about retirement contributions, HSAs, emergency savings, or financial planning resources can help employees engage with benefits when they are most relevant.
Finally, be clear about your role. HR can explain available benefits, direct employees to credible resources, and connect them with benefit providers or financial professionals. Individual financial decisions, however, should remain between employees and their chosen advisors.
By creating access to trustworthy information instead of personalized recommendations, organizations can strengthen employee financial wellbeing while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
– HR Manager
Originally featured in UBA’s July 2026 HR Elements Newsletter.
