October Health – 2025 Report
Financial Wellness in India 
The leading cause of financial wellness stress in India at the population level is generally **income instability and insufficient savings**, often due to irregular employment, rising cost of living, and lack of robust social security. This is compounded by factors like high debt levels and limited financial literacy. Addressing this in the workplace through financial wellness programs, including assessments and digital group sessions like those offered by October, can help reduce stress and improve employee mental health.
- Financial Wellness Prevalence
- 12.65%
- Affected people
- 6,957,500
Impact on the people of India
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Physical Health Impact:
High financial stress can lead to chronic conditions such as hypertension, heart disease, and weakened immune function due to prolonged cortisol release. -
Mental Health Consequences:
Increased risk of anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances. Financial worries often cause persistent rumination and emotional exhaustion. -
Workplace Performance:
Decreased productivity, concentration, and engagement. Employees may take more sick leave or experience burnout. -
Personal Relationships:
Financial stress can strain relationships with family and friends, increasing conflicts and reducing social support. -
Overall Well-being:
Compromised ability to enjoy life, make long-term plans, or invest in self-care.
Recommendation:
Employers can support employees by integrating financial wellness programs and offering October’s digital group sessions and assessments to reduce financial anxiety and improve mental health in the workplace.
Impact on the India Economy
- Reduced Productivity: Financial stress among employees can lead to decreased focus, absenteeism, and lower workplace performance.
- Increased Healthcare Costs: Chronic financial stress contributes to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, increasing healthcare burdens.
- Lower Consumer Spending: Individuals under financial stress often cut back on spending, which can slow economic growth.
- Higher Employee Turnover: Financial worries may prompt employees to seek better-paying jobs, increasing recruitment and training costs.
- Diminished Economic Stability: Widespread financial stress can reduce overall economic confidence, affecting investments and market stability.
Workplace Recommendation:
Implementing financial wellness programs, including digital group sessions and assessments via platforms like October, can help employees manage stress, improving both individual well-being and economic productivity.
What can government do to assist?
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Promote Financial Literacy Programs: Governments can implement nationwide financial education initiatives to help people manage budgets, debts, and savings effectively.
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Encourage Employer-Supported Financial Wellness: Policies incentivizing companies to offer employee financial planning resources, workshops, or October’s digital group sessions can reduce workplace financial stress.
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Enhance Access to Affordable Financial Services: Expanding the reach of low-cost banking, credit, and insurance products reduces financial insecurity.
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Implement Social Safety Nets: Strengthening unemployment benefits, health coverage, and retirement schemes eases financial anxiety during crises.
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Regulate Predatory Lending: Enforcing strict rules against high-interest loans protects individuals from spiraling debt.
These combined actions can significantly reduce financial wellness stress at a population level.
What can businesses do to assist their employees?
Ways a company can lower Financial Wellness stress:
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Offer Financial Education Programs
Provide workshops or digital sessions on budgeting, saving, and investing. -
Provide Access to Financial Advisors
Enable employees to consult professionals for personalized financial planning. -
Implement Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)
Include financial counseling as part of overall support services. -
Promote Transparent Compensation Policies
Ensure clarity on pay, benefits, and bonuses to reduce uncertainty. -
Offer Benefits Like Salary Advances or Emergency Loans
Help employees manage short-term financial crises without stress. -
Encourage Participation in Retirement Savings Plans
Help employees prepare for the future and reduce anxiety about retirement.
Using platforms like Panda, companies can offer digital group sessions focused on financial wellness, making education accessible and interactive for all employees.