Companies Teach Employees about Financial Fitness, Decreasing Money Stress

Nine organizations across the nation have received the first award for excellence in workplace financial education, which recognizes them for setting the standard in programs that teach employees how to make better personal financial decisions.

The WLIFE award – “Workplace Leader in Financial Education” – was created this year by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Society for Human Resource Management to highlight the importance of financial wellness in the workplace.

The AICPA and SHRM were inspired by a working group of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, which suggested the creation of an award to recognize employers who excel in this area. The WLIFE award is the first national honor for employers who provide financial education programs that improve the personal well-being of employees.

The AICPA and SHRM received more than 300 applications for the inaugural WLIFE award, which were judged by members of the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy, the National CPA Financial Literacy Commission, human resource professionals and CPAs. The winning companies stood out because their financial education programs showed results, innovation, effective tactics and a significant scope in increasing employee financial wellness. The nine winners represent corporate, not-for-profit and government: 

    1.      American Express, New York, N.Y.

    2.      Centre Area Transportation Agency, Port Matildo, Penn.

    3.      Heritage Wealth Advisors, Richmond, Va.

    4.      Mountain America Credit Union, West Jordan, Utah

    5.      NYSE Euronext, New York, N.Y.

    6.      New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, N.Y.