97% of U.S. Workers Face Financial Stress, 40% Miss Work Because of It

New data highlights soaring absenteeism, declining retirement security, and urgent need for employer action.

SEATTLE, May 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new SecureSave survey uncovered that financial stress has reached near-universal levels among American workers, with 97% reporting financial strain and 71% feeling moderate to extreme stress, according to a new national survey. The findings shed light on how personal financial struggles are spilling into the workplace, driving up absenteeism, eroding retirement readiness, and straining employer-employee relationships.

• 46% skipped a necessary expense, such as medical care or car repairs, in the past six months.
  
  
• 1 in 7 workers believe they will never be able to retire.
  
  
• 33% made changes that negatively impacted their retirement savings.
  
  
• 40% missed work due to financial stress (arrived late, left early, or missed a full day)
  
  
• #1 financial concern impacting productivity was "Not having enough emergency savings"
  
  
• A modest $200 annual employer contribution to an emergency savings account (ESA) could boost employee retention for 95% of workers.

One survey participant described the toll financial stress has taken: "I didn't have enough money for gas to get to work. I had to call off — it was humiliating," they said. "It made it impossible to focus at work when I was constantly worried about paying rent and bills."

Experts behind the survey emphasize that emergency savings are a critical, yet often overlooked, solution.

"Far too many hardworking Americans are living on the edge — just one unexpected expense away from financial disaster," said Suze Orman, personal finance expert and Co-Founder of SecureSave. "Emergency savings accounts are a must. They give employers a real and affordable way to step up, show true care for their employees, and protect their own bottom line. When workers are financially secure, everyone wins."

"Today's workers are caught in a vicious cycle of financial stress undermining both their current productivity and long-term security," added Devin Miller, CEO and Co-Founder of SecureSave. "Emergency savings solutions offer employers a practical, high-ROI way to invest in their people while strengthening the bottom line."

SecureSave, co-founded by financial expert Suze Orman, is pioneering employer-sponsored ESA programs that help workers build resilience and help businesses improve retention, engagement, and productivity.

About SecureSave:
SecureSave builds simple, affordable emergency savings programs for employers and employees. Co-founded by Suze Orman, Devin Miller, and Bassam Saliba, SecureSave helps Americans prepare for unexpected expenses without jeopardizing retirement security.

Media Contact:
Linda Frank
[email protected]
(310) 968-8229

SOURCE SecureSave