Financial Literacy as a Leadership Strategy
By Christopher Zeoli & Dale Keener, VP & Senior Retirement Plan Consultant & Senior Benefits Consultant, OneDigital
At OneDigital, we see April’s Financial Literacy Month as far more than a calendar event. In our experience working with credit unions, financial education has become a true strategic lever—one that directly shapes workforce stability, productivity, and the long-term health of the organization.
We’re seeing firsthand how today’s economic environment is putting real pressure on workers, who are increasingly turning to their employers for guidance and support. For this reason, financial literacy is no longer a “nice to have” benefit; it’s an expectation and a core leadership responsibility.
When credit union CEOs and boards make financial education intentional, ongoing, and tailored to workforce needs, it can have a remarkable boost in employee confidence, a reduction in stress-driven distractions, and a noticeable improvement in engagement across the organization.
Why Financial Literacy Matters at the Leadership Level
Financial stress doesn’t stay at home—it walks through the doors with your employees every day. We’ve worked with many teams where worries about debt, retirement readiness, or health-care costs have led to distraction, absenteeism, and disengagement.
The impact goes well beyond individual well-being. Financially confident employees are better able to:
- Make informed benefits decisions
- Fully utilize retirement and health programs
- Stay focused and productive at work
- Build longer-term careers within the organization
When leadership teams prioritize financial literacy, they’re not just supporting individuals—they’re safeguarding the performance and resilience of the entire institution.
Moving Beyond Open Enrollment: Education as a Year-Round Strategy
One of the most common pitfalls we see is organizations limiting financial education to open enrollment. However, benefits literacy should be a year-round conversation, not a once-a-year event.
Employees often shy away from benefits they don’t fully understand. That’s why we advocate for clear, simple, and consistent communication throughout the year—so they feel supported and confident using the resources available to them.
The most effective credit union leaders treat financial education as an ongoing experience by:
- Reinforcing key concepts in short, digestible formats
- Offering timely reminders about retirement contributions, HSAs, and financial check-ins
- Connecting health benefits education to real financial outcomes
When education is continuous, we’ve seen participation rise, and so does the return on your benefits investment.
The Board’s Role: Governance, Culture & Long-Term Impact
Boards and executive teams should view financial literacy through a governance lens. Competitive benefits and education strategies are essential for attracting and retaining talent, reinforcing organizational stability, and supporting sustainable growth.
Leadership truly sets the tone. When financial education is woven into the fabric of organizational culture—not treated as a fringe benefit—it sends a powerful message about commitment to employees’ long-term success.
Boards can champion this strategy by:
- Encouraging regular assessment of workforce financial needs
- Ensuring that benefits investments align with organizational goals
- Supporting integrated approaches that connect health, wealth, and retirement education
The result? A more confident workforce and a stronger return on every dollar spent on benefits.
A Strategic Moment for Credit Unions
Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time for credit union leaders to ask themselves:
- Do our employees truly understand and value the benefits we offer?
- Are we addressing financial stress in ways that support productivity and retention?
- Is financial education embedded into our culture, or is it treated as an afterthought?
Those who answer these questions honestly and act on them position themselves as forward-thinking employers, even in uncertain times.
Financial literacy is no longer just about education. It’s about leadership, resilience, and creating an environment where employees can thrive—both professionally and personally.
OneDigital® is a registered trademark of Digital Insurance LLC in the United States. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners. OneDigital® is the marketing name used by Digital Insurance LLC and its affiliates to market their products and services; each entity marketing under OneDigital® has financial responsibility for only its own products and services. In the United States, investment advisory services are offered exclusively through OneDigital Investment Advisors LLC, an affiliate of Digital Insurance LLC.
Originally published in the April 2026 edition of CU Edge