Supporting Middle-Income Employees: A Growing Concern

Recent data highlights that a significant number of middle-income employees are struggling under financial pressure, with many resorting to credit to cover basic needs and experiencing declining mental health.

A survey conducted by the financial wellbeing platform MoneyAppi reveals that 62% of UK adults earning between £25,000 and £45,000 are finding it difficult to meet essential living costs—more than any other income group. This poll of 2,000 respondents exposes the mounting cost-of-living burden on a demographic often perceived as “comfortable,” but now increasingly vulnerable to financial stress. Seven in ten respondents report that their wages have not kept pace with inflation, while over half indicate that housing costs consume more than half of their monthly income.

Ray Law, co-founder of MoneyAppi, states, “Middle earners are falling through the cracks of an antiquated system that hasn’t adapted to current systemic issues. They earn too much to qualify for help, but not enough to absorb the rising costs of living.”

Financial Stress: A Workplace Issue

Financial stress is impacting employees not just at home, but also at work. According to the survey, 41% of middle earners say money worries have directly affected their performance at work. One in four has taken time off due to finance-related stress or anxiety, while more than a third are considering job changes or reduced hours to manage costs.

Key financial stressors include:

• Energy bills: 67% cite utility costs as a major source of stress.
• Food prices: 59% report grocery bills have become unaffordable.
• Childcare: 44% of parents in this bracket say childcare costs outweigh the benefits of working.
• Debt: 38% have delayed or missed a repayment in the past six months.

Observers warn that businesses are already feeling the ripple effects of this strain through reduced productivity, rising absenteeism, and higher staff turnover.

Rethinking Support for Middle Earners

With limited access to government benefits or support schemes, many middle earners feel they are “doing everything right but still falling behind.” Workplace experts suggest that employers can take a more proactive role in addressing this wellbeing blind spot by:

• Offering clear, stigma-free communication around financial support resources.
• Providing access to financial education tools, budgeting platforms, and debt support services.
• Implementing flexible working policies to help employees manage childcare and travel costs.
• Training line managers to spot signs of financial distress and signpost support.

“Financial stress isn’t just a personal problem; it’s a workplace issue,” said Law. “By supporting the financial wellbeing of middle earners, employers can boost morale, reduce absenteeism, and retain talent.”

KAYS Medical Wellbeing Days

At KAYS Medical, we understand the importance of supporting our employees’ overall wellbeing. That’s why we offer dedicated wellbeing days designed to provide comprehensive support and resources. These days include workshops on financial management, mental health support, and access to professional advice, ensuring our team feels valued and supported in all aspects of their lives.

A Wellbeing Priority for 2025

Experts in workplace wellbeing agree that employers need to broaden their approach beyond traditional low-income support. As economic pressures continue to climb and real wages remain stagnant, the financial health of the workforce is becoming inseparable from overall workplace wellbeing. For HR leaders, the challenge is rethinking assumptions about who needs help and acting swiftly to support a growing group of financially stretched but often overlooked employees.