At Glassmoon Services, we’re passionate about creating a work culture where colleagues are supported at work and in life. We take a holistic view of wellbeing; financial health is every bit as important as physical and psychological wellbeing. Our recent recognition on the Great Place to Work® Wellbeing List for medium-sized companies is a direct result of our focus on the whole person, with financial health being a key part of our wellbeing strategy.
While many are just waking up to the importance of this so-called #MissingMetric, we’ve had it built into our strategy from the outset. We know that the impact of money worries goes far beyond the payslip. When people are under financial pressure, stress levels rise, concentration drops, and mental health suffers. In fact, research from Wagestream reveals that financial stress can cost an individual 13 IQ points, equivalent to a full night of lost sleep, impacting decision-making, productivity, and emotional regulation. This is especially concerning given that 25% of the population has £100 or less in savings, with 17% having no savings at all, contributing to pervasive in-work poverty.
14.4 million people in the UK were living in poverty in 2021/2022 – roughly one in five, including 4.2 million children. The cost of living crisis has likely compounded this dramatically, with millions struggling to afford basics and relying on food banks. We are committed to ensuring our colleagues are not in material poverty or reliant on vital services, such as food banks.
Practical, Not Platitudes: Our Commitment to Fair Pay
Our frontline colleagues operate in multifunctional, complex, and emotionally demanding roles that often require unique skills, yet wider sector pay doesn’t always reflect this.
Financial wellbeing at Glassmoon Services is about practical, day-to-day support that directly helps our team avoid in-work poverty, food insecurity, and the stress of not being able to provide essential items for their families.
That’s why we’ve prioritised:
- Guaranteed-hours contracts (no zero-hour insecurity)
- No agency staffing — ensuring our team is stable, valued, and consistent
- 8–10-week advance rotas, giving our team visibility and control over their time and income
- Financial wellbeing tools — including access to budgeting, saving, and early wage access, for those who want to use them
Pay frequency and accuracy were key to us from day one. Once we’d implemented Wagestream and saw the positive impact on financial flexibility, we were able to confidently move from fortnightly to four-weekly pay. It’s now a highly valued benefit by our colleagues and one that supports their independence and peace of mind.
This kind of consistency is critical in specialist care. The people we support rely on strong relationships and continuity. Our refusal to use agency staff protects that trust and ensures quality care. We’re also proud to be accredited as a Real Living Wage employer, reinforcing our belief in fair pay as both a strategy and a statement of values.
Addressing the “Working Poor” & Changing the Narrative
The care sector is unfortunately among the top five industries with high in-work poverty rates, with around one in six workers experiencing it. Factors such as hours, pay, location, gender, ethnicity, age, childcare, and transport all contribute. We believe it’s necessary for all employers to be conscious of their wider societal impact. Fair pay for our colleagues isn’t just a cost line; it’s a mindset, a strategy, and an ongoing commitment rooted in valuing our people.
Financial wellbeing is a key part of our strategy to attract and retain the best people and to build a workplace where people can thrive. When your team is stable, supported, and not worried about the next bill, the care and support they deliver is more consistent, connected, and compassionate.
Ready for What’s Next
As the upcoming Employment Rights Bill makes advance rota planning a legal requirement, we’re already there. We want to build a financially secure, stable, and values-led workforce that delivers exceptional care and support. Financial wellbeing is a cornerstone of our culture and a powerful tool for transforming lives, both at work and at home.
When we say we’re here to #LiveWhatMatters, this is what we mean.