Employee retention remains one of the most urgent issues facing HR leaders in 2025—and the numbers back it up. According to the 2025 Retention Report by Work Institute, voluntary turnover continues to rise across industries, with family-related reasons, stress, and financial pressures leading the list of why people quit.

The report highlights an undeniable truth: Employees are leaving not just because of bad managers or a lack of career growth—but because life outside of work is increasingly harder to manage.

That’s where Immediate comes in.
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Financial Stress Is a Retention Risk

The Work Institute report found that 13% of employees left their jobs due to health and family issues—a number that has grown year over year. Often, these aren’t isolated medical emergencies. They’re cascading financial stressors: a car repair, a late rent payment, a utility bill due days before payday.

“There are things that come up that nobody can plan for. Not everyone has that savings account or situations where they can get it from somewhere else.” explained Colleen B., Director of Payroll.

Immediate’s Earned Wage Access (EWA) solution gives employees the flexibility to access a portion of their pay before payday—without high-interest loans, overdrafts, or late fees. It’s a simple idea with a big impact: reduce financial stress so employees can stay focused, engaged, and employed.

“We don’t want our team, whether they’re hourly or salaried, to worry about their finances or unexpected expenses when they’re at work. Providing Immediate’s earned wage access solution to our employees helps alleviate financial stress and makes them feel secure; they’re able to focus 100% on residents. That’s critical for us as a healthcare provider organization,” said CFO, Anna B.

Retention Isn't About Perks—It's About Stability

While many employers invest in flashy perks, the most effective retention tools address employees’ real-life challenges. And today, that means supporting their financial health.

“I’ve been doing payroll for 20 years. The usage of ImmediatePay surprised me the most. I didn’t realize how many people would utilize it!” Traci F., Accounting and Payroll Manager

With ImmediatePay, employees can:

• Access earnings instantly when unexpected expenses arise
  
  
• Avoid high-cost lending options like payday loans
  
  
• Build confidence and trust in their employer
  
  

Courtney D., HR & Payroll Manager, explained that “Immediate is used by so many of our employees and I always hear how it makes a difference for them in day-to-day functions especially when in today's society, the majority is living paycheck to paycheck.”

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For employers, the ROI is clear: better retention, lower absenteeism, and more engaged teams. 
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The Bottom Line

According to the 2025 Retention Report, “employees are increasingly seeking stability, support, and purpose from their employers.” That begins with giving them the tools to manage life’s stressors—especially between paydays. 

Earned Wage Access isn’t just a financial benefit. It’s a retention strategy.

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Sources:
Work Institute. 2025 Retention Report: Employee Retention Truths in Today’s Workplace. 2025, Work Institute. PDF, https://info.workinstitute.com/hubfs/2025%20Retention%20Report/2025%20Retention%20Report%20-%20Employee%20Retention%20Truths%20in%20Todays%20Workplace.pdf.