How can I confidently talk to my employer about financial stress?

How can I confidently talk to my employer about financial stress?

Disclosing that you're under financial stress can be difficult.

You may feel vulnerable, so you'll probably only discuss this with someone you trust at work and only if you have to.

There are many ways that an employer may help if that is what you're asking for.

Most employers would help a good employee through tough financial times than lose them.

If you would like assistance from your employer or options for flexibility or support, then remember you're not asking for favour, you are asking for professional advice about your working relationship and the exchange of your time and expertise and how you can be paid for this.

Here are some useful tips for having that conversation with your employer.

So number one, choose a time where your manager or boss is not stressed or back to back with deadlines or meetings.

Number two, write down what you're asking for, if you are asking for anything of course.

This could be anything from flexible hours, a wage rise, an advance or EAP resources.

Number three, make it a professional conversation.

So be direct, but you do not have to share every detail with them.

Number four, use I statements such as I'm looking to discuss the possibility of a pay rise this year.

Number five, look into what options your company may offer.

So this is information you may find in their policies, your contract or from HR.

These could range from pay rises, emergency loans, pay advances, financial counselling through EAP providers, and remote work maybe to help reduce travelling costs, or flexible hours so that you can take on a part-time job temporarily to subsidise your income.

If your employer, after asking, offers something unexpected, then do take your time to think about the offer and the implications or expectations of return.

Letting your employer know that you are struggling or would like to ask for more financial options is a professional conversation at the end of the day, and treat it as a business transaction.

As if you were speaking with a colleague or a client customer over a work matter.

Be clear, unassuming and direct.

Remember, help and support from your employer can make the difference in feeling emotionally supported as well as financially supported.

Even if you have the conversation and nothing comes of it, your employer are aware of what you're struggling with.

I would also urge you to call the if it's appropriate the Citizens Advice Debt Helpline on 0800 24 00 4420 between 9 a.m.

and 8 pm Monday to Friday, and they're also open on Saturday between 9 30 and 1 pm.

Please don't struggle alone, and it's that employer is there for you, so all you can do is ask and speak to them.

See what comes of it.

So good luck and well done.

Thank you.