Why financial wellbeing is a business performance issue
Money worries can affect performance, absence, engagement and retention. So how can people professionals make financial wellbeing a strategic workplace priority?
This evidence review summarises the best available scientific research on what works in financial incentives and non-financial recognition
Employers should not overlook incentives or recognition in seeking ways to motivate staff and boost performance. On the contrary, they should set up systems that make the most of them and actively encourage managers and colleagues throughout the organisation to ‘share the love’.
The overriding principles to follow in this can be summarised as:
See the practice summary for the main insights and practical recommendations for action.
See the scientific summary for our methodology and technical information on the research and study references.
Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.
Already a member? Login here.
Money worries can affect performance, absence, engagement and retention. So how can people professionals make financial wellbeing a strategic workplace priority?
Explore the CIPD's detailed analyses of 2025/2026 gender pay gap reporting in the UK and Northern Ireland, updated in May 2026. CIPD members can also download these datasets to benchmark and compare your organisation's performance against national data.
Stay up to date with the latest pay intentions among employers in the UK, with data analysis from the CIPD's Labour Market Outlook report. CIPD members can also download the data for use in your internal organisational benchmarking, discussions, and business cases.
We examine research evidence to understand if and how HR practices influences organisational performance and key workplace outcomes
Find out what the evidence says about building trust and psychological safety
Research exploring how to develop people managers who drive organisational success
Explore the latest research on how to create a positive environment to build and nurture effective teams