HR.com’s HR Research Institute has announced the formation of its State of Financial Wellness Advisory Board for 2027, a move that underscores the growing recognition of financial stress as a critical workplace issue. The board, comprising experts from HR, benefits, and financial services, will shape research on employees’ financial challenges, the effectiveness of workplace financial wellness programs, and best practices for financial literacy initiatives. The findings are expected to help HR leaders design strategies that meaningfully improve employee financial well-being.
Financial stress can significantly impair employees’ overall well-being and their ability to thrive at work, according to Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. “This research will help HR leaders better understand employees’ needs and identify practical, effective ways to build financial wellness strategies that make a meaningful difference,” McGrath said. The advisory board’s work will also examine the role of tools, metrics, and emerging technologies such as AI in enhancing financial wellness programs, signaling a forward-looking approach to a persistent challenge.
The board includes distinguished professionals such as Heather Coleman of Enriched Academy, Dan Comisar of BrightDime, Shatrina Cosby of Purchasing Power, Kim Duffy-Wylam of Baker Tilly, Damond Fauconier of Transportation Federal Credit Union, Marite Marlow of the Center for Employment Training, Lilah Raynor of Logica Research, Cassandra Rose of Fringe, and Rahkim Sabree, a financial wellness consultant and author. Their collective expertise will guide the institute’s annual research, which will culminate in a free virtual event on March 10, 2027, where insights will be shared with the HR community. Those interested can register for the State of Financial Wellness 2027 Virtual Event to gain actionable strategies for strengthening financial wellness initiatives.
The announcement comes as employers increasingly recognize that financial well-being is integral to overall employee health and productivity. By convening a dedicated advisory board, HR.com aims to provide evidence-based guidance that can help organizations reduce the negative effects of financial stress, improve retention, and foster a more resilient workforce. The research will build on prior work, including HR.com’s State of Employee Financial Wellness 2026, which highlighted key trends and gaps in employer offerings.
HR professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of financial wellness can access a wealth of free research reports and infographics at hr.com/researchinstitute. The institute’s annual State of the Industry reports are widely read and serve as a benchmark for HR strategy across topics. With the new advisory board in place, the 2027 research is poised to deliver timely, practical insights that can help organizations turn financial wellness from a nice-to-have into a core component of their employee value proposition.
