October Health – 2025 Report

Financial Wellness in Eswatini

The leading cause of financial wellness stress in Eswatini is primarily tied to high levels of unemployment, particularly among youth, alongside economic instability and rising living costs. Additionally, limited access to financial education and resources further exacerbates financial stress for the general population. This situation can lead to anxiety and decreased mental well-being, highlighting the need for workplace support programs and initiatives, like those offered by October, to help employees manage financial stress collectively.

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Financial Wellness Prevalence
37.21%
Affected people
20,465,500

Impact on the people of Eswatini

Effects of High Financial Wellness Stress on Health and Personal Lives

  1. Mental Health Decline

    • Increased anxiety and depression.
    • Heightened stress levels can lead to burnout.

  2. Physical Health Issues

    • Stress-related illnesses such as hypertension or heart disease.
    • Weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illness.

  3. Relationships Strain

    • Conflict with partners or family over financial issues.
    • Reduced social interactions due to embarrassment or avoidance.

  4. Decreased Job Performance

    • Difficulty concentrating and decreased productivity.
    • Increased absenteeism and workplace disengagement.

  5. Poor Lifestyle Choices

    • Increased reliance on unhealthy coping mechanisms (e.g., overeating, substance abuse).
    • Neglect of self-care practices like exercise and healthy eating.

Employers can support employee mental health by providing resources through platforms like October, which offers group sessions and content focused on financial wellness and stress management.

Impact on the Eswatini Economy

Effects of High Financial Wellness Stress on an Economy

  1. Decreased Productivity: Employees experiencing financial stress may have lower concentration and engagement at work, leading to decreased overall productivity.

  2. Increased Absenteeism: Financial stress can lead to higher rates of absenteeism as employees may take time off to manage related issues.

  3. Higher Turnover Rates: Financial wellness concerns can contribute to job dissatisfaction, resulting in higher turnover rates, which incurs costs for recruitment and training.

  4. Increased Healthcare Costs: Chronic financial stress can lead to mental and physical health issues, increasing healthcare costs for employers and the economy.

  5. Reduced Economic Growth: When consumers are financially stressed, they tend to spend less, leading to reduced demand for goods and services, which can slow down economic growth.

  6. Increased Reliance on Social Services: High levels of financial stress may lead to greater dependency on social safety nets, putting additional strain on governmental resources.

Implementing strategies like financial wellness programs and offering resources such as those provided by October or October can help mitigate these effects and support employees effectively.

What can government do to assist?

Strategies for Lowering Financial Wellness Stress

  1. Promote Financial Literacy Programs
    Implement educational initiatives to improve financial understanding among citizens.

  2. Access to Affordable Financial Services
    Encourage financial institutions to offer low-cost services and products catering to the needs of all socioeconomic groups.

  3. Support for Budgeting and Saving
    Provide tools and resources that help individuals create and maintain personal budgets and savings plans.

  4. Emergency Financial Assistance
    Establish programs that offer temporary financial assistance to those in need, reducing anxiety during crises.

  5. Workplace Wellness Initiatives
    Encourage companies to integrate financial wellness workshops and resources, like those offered by platforms such as October, into their employee wellness programs.

What can businesses do to assist their employees?

  • Offer Financial Education Programs: Provide workshops or online resources that cover budgeting, saving, and investment strategies. This can empower employees with the knowledge to manage their finances effectively.

  • Introduce Financial Wellness Benefits: Consider offering benefits such as student loan repayment assistance, financial counseling services, or access to financial planning software.

  • Implement Flexible Payroll Options: Allow employees to access earned wages early or provide flexible payment schedules to help manage cash flow issues.

  • Encourage Open Communication: Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing financial stressors and seeking support without judgment.

  • Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage employees to use their vacation days and promote a culture that values downtime, which can alleviate financial stress associated with overwork or burnout.

Utilizing resources like October’s digital group sessions can further enhance financial wellness support in the workplace.