Nearly a quarter of workers across the UK admit that financial concerns are harming their performance in the workplace, according to new research from the Building Societies Association (BSA). The findings shed light on the scale of money-related stress, its impact on health, and the urgent need to strengthen financial resilience.
Financial stress hitting performance and health
The study found that 22% of employees said money worries have affected their ability to perform effectively at work. A further 19% revealed that financial stress had forced them to take time off sick. These figures highlight a troubling reality: financial insecurity is not just a private matter but a factor directly linked to workplace wellbeing and productivity.
The research shows younger workers are particularly at risk. Among those aged 18 to 24, a third (33%) reported becoming unwell due to money pressures, with some requiring time away from work to recover. This age group, often at the beginning of their careers, is now navigating the dual pressures of low savings and rising living costs.
Lack of savings buffer across the UK
The BSA survey underlines the precarious state of personal finances across the country. Over a quarter (27%) of UK working adults have less than £1,000 saved, and one in eight (12%) have no savings at all. Around 21% said they would be unable to cover an unexpected bill of £300, while three in 10 (30%) admitted they could not live off their savings for more than one month if their income stopped.
The situation is even starker for those aged 35 to 44, many of whom are raising families. Nearly half (44%) in this group said they would not manage beyond one month on their current savings, underscoring the fragility of many working households.
Calls to build resilience and saving habits
Commenting on the findings, Shirley Ballas, head judge of Strictly Come Dancing and supporter of UK Savings Week, emphasised the importance of developing resilience:
“I’ve seen first-hand how life can throw unexpected challenges your way, and how important it is to build resilience to face them. This research shows just how deeply money worries can affect our wellbeing. But it’s also encouraging to see that many people who aren’t currently saving feel they could start building a regular savings habit.”
Andrew Gall, head of savings and economics at the BSA, reinforced the message:
“This research lays bare the human cost of financial insecurity and how money worries are quite literally making working people ill. But the findings also highlight the benefits of saving. We know that those who are able to save, even small amounts, have reduced anxiety and are more able to deal with life’s shocks.”
Encouraging small steps toward savings
The research is being released in the run-up to UK Savings Week (22–28 September 2025), a campaign led by the BSA to promote savings habits. Its targets include creating two million new regular savers and moving £50 billion away from zero-interest accounts by 2030.
Richard Stocker, head of savings at Nationwide Building Society, suggested simple steps:
“Starting to save can seem overwhelming, but if you break it down that will help – try the 50-30-20 rule: 50% needs, 30% wants, 20% savings. Pop that 20% into an Isa, because interest is basically free money. The other simple but effective starting point is moving your money as soon as you are paid, if it’s out of sight it’s out of mind.”
Encouragingly, the survey found that four-fifths (81%) of people believed they could save an extra £10 a month if necessary, including nearly half (47%) of those with no current savings. While modest, these contributions could represent the beginnings of a buffer against financial shocks and a route to greater peace of mind.
The bigger picture for UK workers
For many workers, the research highlights the stark reality of living without a financial safety net. Insecure savings not only threaten household stability but also spill into the workplace, reducing productivity and contributing to ill health. For The Workers Union, this reinforces the message that supporting UK workers extends beyond immediate workplace issues to include broader financial wellbeing.
By promoting awareness, encouraging savings habits, and highlighting the link between money worries and workplace performance, campaigns such as UK Savings Week may offer a starting point for improving resilience across the workforce.
