ork if you’re facing the prospect of debt collectors beating down your door when you get home? Unlikely. Just as with safeguarding employees’ mental and physical wellbeing, so too are there benefits fromprotecting their financial wellbeing. Here’s a guide on doing exactly that. Create a safe zoneDiscussing finances can be confronting for many people – especially women. Concerns can becompounded by issues such as addiction, mental illness, or domestic violence.These problems often mean the workplace is a safer space in which to open up about financialworries.Harness the opportunity to do good for your employees by ensuring the workplace is that safe spacein practice, not just in theory. Implement a professional and structured approach to facilitating thesediscussions.An employee assistance program (EAP) or trained counsellor can offer additional support shouldsuch issues arise.Provide education resourcesJust as you may bring in external people to facilitate workplace training, the same can be done herewith a licenced, reputable financial adviser. They can deliver team presentations on the basics andthen be available for one-on-one appointments for tailored discussions.This is a great way of connecting individuals with relevant professionals, who they may struggle toconnect with on their own. Providing reading materials for self-education is another option. For example, one company giftedcopies of my book to employees, empowering them to learn more about money management forthemselves.Other free resources you can highlight include the government’s MoneySmart website, for example,which has tools including a budget planner and a mortgage calculator. Build strong foundationsA business is built on good foundations, including a business plan. Yet the majority of people don’ttake the same approach with their own finances.I generally advise looking at the following as a basis for building wealth and financial security:● Superannuation● Estate planning● Insurances● Spending and investment plan● Emergency fundGetting the foundations right safeguards against things crashing down in a crisis (such as when aglobal pandemic hits or the next big hiccup!).Discuss superannuationSpeaking of superannuation, it tends to be the easiest aspect of finances to discuss in the workplace,given that we earn super from employer contributions.Consider incorporating a super check-in as part of your onboarding process for new employees, toensure current and future contributions work hard for them to look at their investments anddetermining whether they have adequate insurance cover before they make a big mistakeconsolidating funds.For existing employees, annual reviews or salary increases can be a good time to broach the subject. Checking in regularly allows them to see if any tweaks are needed or if they may be eligible for co-contribution incentives. Make it permanentFinancial issues surface throughout our working lives and change according to major life events:getting married, having kids, being made redundant, changing careers, etc. So, a one-off discussionabout money management won’t solve everything.The key is to provide ongoing support and education about finances to ensure continued learningand development, just as you would any other type of training.Not only will employees be better off personally, their new-found money skills can be put to use atwork too!Note this is general advice only and you should seek advice specific to your circumstances.