Opportunity@Work is a coalition dedicated to strengthening the financial stability of Nebraskans. The Coalition operates through public/private partnerships that balance the needs of working families, businesses and communities among diverse populations across the state.

Opportunity@Work collaborates on several fronts to strengthen workforce financial stability. These initiatives cluster under strategies that support worker success by maximizing employment opportunities and personal assets and those that support business and community success through a more stable, productive, skilled workforce.

SOLUTIONS FOR EMPLOYERS

Provide Workplace Financial Education
Studies of workplace financial education have shown that it provides benefits not only to the employee but also significantly benefits the employer as well by reducing employee absenteeism, turnover rates and time wasted at work. Financial wellness is positively correlated with worker productivity (as measured by supervisor's performance ratings) and worker health (as a function of absentee records). Learn more

Implement Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
IDA programs, matched through either public or private dollars, have shown that low- and moderate-income earners can and do save. The ability to build assets has been linked to increased economic and household stability, which leads to better neighborhoods and communities. Learn more

Improve Access to Work Support Programs
With employers doing their part to educate their low-wage employees, helping them to access benefits that they are eligible for, employers will receive, in return, a healthier, more stable and more productive workforce. Learn more

Increase Workplace Flexibility for Low-Wage Workers
Effective flexibility programs increase productivity through commitment and retention and have a direct impact on financial performance. Learn more

Institute Automatic 401(k) Enrollment
By automatically enrolling new employees in a 401(k) or any type of retirement savings plans and giving them the option to disenroll after 6 months, a company reinforces the importance of retirement savings and demonstrates that it is possible to save within most budgets. An employee will be less likely to miss the take-home pay that he or she never brought home in the first place. Learn more

Implement Employer-Supported Training and Education
Increased access to training can help low-income workers learn new skills that can be applied in their current work environment and tied to clear outcomes like wage increases or promotions. Learn more


How Can Your Business Participate?

To learn more about implementing a Financial Education or an Individual Development Account program in your workplace, to find out how other businesses have participated in these programs and know more about the benefits, please see below:

For more information regarding workplace Financial Education, please contact Susan Fleetwood at The Financial Stability Partnership at sfleetwood@mail.unomaha.edu or 402-561-7587 to discuss specifics of the program such as the approved providers, program marketing, implementation, and scheduling.

Financial Education in Nebraska: http://www.fesiomaha.org/PDF/Educ_overview.pdf

For information on Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), please contact Julie Kalkowski at The Financial Stability Partnership at jkalkowski@mail.unomaha.edu or 402-561-7592 or Ed Leahy at ewleahy@mail.unomaha.edu.

IDA Programs in Nebraska: http://www.fesiomaha.org/PDF/IDA_employers.pdf