Umarrah Shafiq examines why women avoid investing and how education, support, and strategy can help them build confidence and secure their financial future.
Financial wellbeing has become a vital component of employee satisfaction and productivity in today’s workplace. Research shows that addressing financial concerns not only supports individual employees but also creates a more engaged and resilient workforce, especially for expats grappling with unique financial circumstances.
As financial pressures continue to grow, whether due to rising living costs, global economic uncertainty, or personal circumstances, employees increasingly look to their organisations for support. For expats, these challenges can be even more complex, with added considerations like cross-border tax implications and negotiating unfamiliar financial systems. Recognising the importance of financial planning and addressing these distinct needs can create a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Financial wellbeing means more than just staying afloat; it’s about fostering confidence and control over personal finances. Employees who feel secure in this area tend to perform better, contribute more positively to workplace culture, and remain loyal to their employers. On the flip side, financial stress can lead to reduced focus, absenteeism, and high turnover.
For employers, prioritising financial wellbeing isn’t just an ethical decision—it’s a strategic one. Companies that invest in financial planning workshops and other supportive programmes often see improved productivity, stronger retention, and a culture of openness and trust.
Promoting financial wellbeing doesn’t have to be complex. The following are just a few impactful strategies:
At Skybound Wealth Management, we frequently help organisations design programmes tailored to their unique workforce needs, including seminars and one-on-one financial planning sessions.
Our financial planning workshops are designed to engage employees, provide actionable insights, and address diverse financial needs. These sessions are highly interactive and include:.
By the end of our workshops, employees leave with a clear understanding of how to manage their financial wellbeing now and in the future, supported by ongoing resources and access to one-to-one coaching if desired.
As a Chartered Financial Planner with over eight years of experience, I’ve seen how financial challenges disproportionately affect women, particularly in the professional world. It’s one of the reasons I’m passionate about the Women Like Us professional network, a Skybound Wealth initiative in Dubai dedicated to empowering professional women to take control of their financial futures.
By focusing on education, support, and practical strategies, we aim to instill confidence and independence, ensuring women thrive in both their careers and personal lives.
Investing in your employees’ financial wellbeing is a powerful way to build a healthier, more productive workplace. Whether you’re an employer looking to foster engagement or an individual seeking to take control of your financial future, Skybound Wealth can help. Our offerings include financial planning workshops, tailored advisory services, and initiatives like Women Like Us, which empower employees to take control of their financial futures. Together, we can create a workplace where financial confidence and productivity go hand in hand.
Get in touch to learn more about our corporate workshops, tailored financial planning services, and initiatives like Women Like Us. Together, we’ll create a workplace where financial confidence and productivity go hand in hand.
With over eight years of experience, Umarrah is a Chartered Wealth Planner dedicated to helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. She has held key roles at Mazars, RBC Brewin Dolphin, and Prudential, gaining broad expertise across financial disciplines. Her Psychology degree from Heriot-Watt University informs her empathetic approach, ensuring she understands her clients’ unique needs.
At Skybound Wealth Management, Umarrah champions the “Women Like Us” brand, empowering women to gain financial independence and confidence. Her mission is to provide steadfast support, whether clients are navigating complex financial challenges or planning for their future.