This article demonstrates that there are substantial costs to employers caused by the stresses associated with poor personal financial behaviors of employees. Approximately 15% of workers in the United States are currently experiencing stress from poor financial behaviors to the extent that it negatively impacts their productivity. The proportion of workers experiencing financial problems that negatively impact productivity for a single employer could range as high as 40 to 50% depending upon certain factors. The costs of reduced employee productivity because of poor personal financial behaviors are substantial. The full extent of the costs to employers is unknown.
KEY WORDS: absenteeism, employee assistance program, employee productivity, personal financial behavior, stress, substance abuse

2. Irene E. Leech, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Consumer Education, Virginia Tech, HIDM Department, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0424. Phone: (540) 231-4191. Fax: (540) 231-3250. Email: ileech@vt.edu

3. John E. Grable, Doctoral Student, Family Financial Management, Virginia Tech, HIDM Department, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0424. Phone: (540) 231-6163. Fax: (540) 231-3250. Email: jgrable@vt.edu