Improving the Financial Security of Workers of Color through Employee Financial Wellness Programs

Abstract

Important wealth differences exist between US Black and Hispanic families and their White counterparts. Nevertheless, recent legislation and new solutions from financial service providers create opportunities for employers to deploy employee financial wellness programs (EFWP) to improve their workers’ financial security. This study defines the scope, impact, and advantages of EFWPs for building financial security, especially for workers of color and their families. Results show that EFWPs and benefits are necessary yet insufficient to remove racial wealth disparities. I then outline the opportunities and challenges for employers, providers, and policymakers to improve workers’ financial wellness using EFWPs.

Keywords: financial wellness, retirement, wealth disparities

JEL Classification: J14, J26, J32