Many Australians are currently feeling the weight of financial stress, and it's likely that some of your employees are among them.
New research from ING, released ahead of R U OK? Day on 10 September, found that nearly half of Australians (46%) named financial pressure as one of their biggest sources of stress in 2026. Work or job related stress was cited by 20% of respondents, while 17% specifically pointed to mortgage or rental payments as a top concern. ING is this year's exclusive conversation partner for R U OK? Day.
For small business owners, that stress doesn't stay at home. It shows up in the office, the shop floor or the job site, often quietly.
R U OK? CEO Lach Searle says money troubles are common, but talking about them still isn't. "Money challenges can happen to anyone, and most of us will experience them at some point in our lives. But there's still a high level of caution in checking in with family and friends if we think they might be struggling with their finances."
Signs to watch for
R U OK? points to a few categories worth noticing in a staff member or colleague. Emotional signs include increased anxiety, mood swings, irritability and feeling overwhelmed. Physical signs can include headaches, muscle tension and chronic fatigue. Behavioural signs are often the most visible in a workplace: changes in spending habits, avoiding social activities due to cost, a decline in work performance, or reluctance to answer calls for fear of bills and debt collectors.
Starting the conversation
Searle acknowledges most people feel awkward broaching the subject, but says that shouldn't stop them. "We want people to know it's normal to sometimes feel worried, awkward or uncomfortable about starting conversations particularly when it comes to money, however if you show genuine interest, concern and make space to listen without judgement, supportive conversations do make a positive difference when the people we care about are navigating tough times."
R U OK? suggests simple, low pressure openers rather than direct questioning, such as asking how someone is finding things given the current cost of living, or noting that they've seemed a bit quiet lately and asking if everything's okay.
Searle is clear that the goal isn't to solve the problem yourself. "Try to remember that you likely can't fix their financial problems or offer financial advice, but giving someone your time can help them through."
Where to point people
Employers don't need to have the answers themselves. If an employee is comfortable raising it, banks generally have dedicated hardship policies covering things like pausing or lowering repayments, extending loan terms, or waiving late fees, usually handled by specialised hardship or customer care teams. For those who'd rather not deal with their bank directly, accredited financial counsellors can negotiate on their behalf with consent.
Free, confidential options include the National Debt Helpline (1800 007 007, or ndh.org.au), Mob Strong Debt Help for First Nations Australians (1800 808 488), and Moneysmart.gov.au, a government resource with tools and a directory of local financial counsellors.