Worcester Business Journal

W o r c e s t e r 3 0 0 : C i t y o f I n n o v a t o r s 89 wellness coaching is the next great frontier of employee benefits and have developed a program that allows Massachusetts employers free access to financial coaches they can offer as a benefit to their employees. is program goes far beyond the financial literacy information and webinars some employers offer their workers. Trained financial coaches meet with employees one- on-one -- to listen without judging, to answer questions, and to provide the tools and support that empower people to make good decisions, at any life stage. Having regular meetings keeps the employee encouraged and motivated to follow their path to financial wellness. ere are several benefits to the employer as well. A major benefit is increased productivity. According to a MetLife Employee Benefit Trends study, people who are less worried about their personal finances are more productive. In fact, 85% of financially healthy workers reported feeling more productive at work. Offering this program also promotes retention and can be used as a recruitment tool. Providing a benefit that other companies don't attracts prospective employees, encourages existing employees to stay in their jobs, and creates better engagement between employers and their workforce. Offering financial wellness as a benefit also strengthens corporate culture and increases participation in the company retirement plan. It shows employees that the company they work for cares about their financial well-being and wants to work with them to contribute to their success. All Workers Credit Union members can pursue financial coaching at any one of our PlanIt Centers through our Workers Way program. Sean and Edward are two members who had gotten into the habit of paying for everything with credit cards , far surpassing what they could afford, until they started working with their Workers Way certified financial coach Jerusa. "Workers Way and Jerusa became a savior," Sean says. "It helped keep us from going under, and it helped us see that there was a different way to live." Although planning is one of the best ways to combat today's uncertain economic conditions, many hesitate to work with a coach because of the embarrassment oen associated with financial difficulties, or concerns that it will cost extra money they don't have to work with someone. Our Workers Way trained financial coaches are helping guide our members on their path to financial wellness at no extra cost. Workers Credit Union is also committed to giving time and financial support to the community. In 2021, we donated more than $400,000 to 175 organizations, many of them in the Worcester area. Our dedicated staff has devoted more than 2,000 hours to volunteering. We look forward to collaborating with the people and businesses of Worcester for many years to come. We are excited about the future of both Workers Credit Union and the City of Worcester. We celebrate this milestone with you and can't wait to see what the next 300 years brings. n Left to right: Exterior of the Worcester Branch. Financial Coach meets with a couple. Groton Station House Restaurant owner and WCU member, Andrew McElroy. S P O N S O R E D P R O F I L E S

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