While demand for help is growing, current levels of support remain limited.

In fact, just 27% of employees currently receive financial support for energy bills.

Despite that, 41% want more support from their employer, specifically for energy costs.

And 44% are seeking additional financial support overall, as rising mortgage, rental and childcare costs continue to stretch household budgets.

If members of your team are worried about money, they’re less focused, motivated and productive at work.

But if they’re not getting the right support, they might also potentially be less loyal.

Figures from Zest show that nearly six in ten people in work (58%) felt their benefits package was inadequate last year.

And significantly, seven in ten (70%) said they would consider leaving their job for another organisation if it offered better perks and benefits.

So there’s a clear business case for giving people the kind of support they need and would genuinely value.

Matt Russell, chief executive of Zest, pointed out that the Middle East crisis could lead to household energy bills going up by hundreds of pounds.

And this, he said, means many households are “approaching a financial breaking point”.

“Employers can ease some of the pressure by offering greater financial support to their employees to manage rising costs of energy bills or consumer goods,” Mr Russell commented.

“They should be looking for alternative solutions to maintain morale and support the financial wellbeing of employees. 

He added that if employers can’t do this, they risk losing talent and their “competitive edge”.