Posted on: April 21, 2025
Every morning, Alex starts the day with the same thought: How am I going to make it all work this month? Between rent, groceries, and car payments, the looming student loan bill feels like a constant shadow. At work, Alex tries to stay focused, but the stress of debt lingers. It’s hard to be fully present in meetings when thoughts drift to upcoming due dates. Checking emails turns into checking bank balances. Anxiety replaces productivity. By the end of the day, Alex feels drained—not just from work, but from the mental toll of financial stress.
Alex’s story isn’t unique. Millions of employees carry student loan debt, and the burden extends beyond their bank accounts—it impacts their focus, job satisfaction, and even long-term career decisions.
The Emotional and Professional Toll of Student Loan Debt
For many employees, student loan debt isn’t just a financial challenge; it’s a persistent source of stress that affects their well-being and job performance. Here’s how:
- Lost Productivity – Financial stress is one of the biggest workplace distractions, making it harder for employees to stay engaged and efficient. A 2023 survey by PwC found that 56% of financially stressed employees spend three or more hours each week dealing with or thinking about money issues.
- Delayed Career Growth – Some employees feel trapped in jobs they don’t love because they fear losing financial stability. Others move from job to job in pursuit of higher pay, prioritizing immediate relief over long-term career growth.
- Increased Burnout – The mental burden of managing debt on top of work responsibilities can lead to exhaustion and disengagement. Research from the University of Georgia shows that financial stress contributes to burnout, negatively impacting job performance.
How Employers Can Help
Companies that recognize the impact of student loan debt have an opportunity to support their employees while improving retention and engagement.
Here are three key ways employers can make a difference:
- Student Loan Repayment Assistance – Direct contributions toward employees’ student loan balances can help them pay off debt faster and with less stress. BenefitEd helps employers administer these programs seamlessly.
- SECURE Act 2.0 Matching – Employers can now match employees’ student loan payments with contributions to their retirement accounts, allowing them to build for the future while paying down debt. BenefitEd makes it easy to implement these provisions.
- Financial Counseling & Wellness Programs – Providing employees with resources to manage debt, budget effectively, and plan for long-term financial goals can ease stress and improve overall well-being. BenefitEd’s Support Solutions offer financial assistance to employees in the form of coaching sessions with our student loan experts, competitive student loan refinance options, and more.
Investing in Employees’ Financial Well-Being
When companies step up to help employees manage student loan debt, they create a more focused, engaged, and loyal workforce. Employees who feel supported are more likely to stay, perform better, and contribute positively to workplace culture.
BenefitEd partners with employers to make student loan benefits simple and effective. Learn more about how we can help.
If your employer doesn’t yet offer student loan benefits, now is the time to start the conversation. Financial wellness isn’t just a personal issue—it’s a workplace priority.