HR.com's HR Research Institute has announced the formation of its State of Financial Wellness Advisory Board for 2027, bringing together experienced HR, benefits, and financial professionals to guide upcoming research and industry insights on employee financial literacy and well-being. The board will help shape research into employees' financial challenges, workplace financial wellness programs and their effectiveness, best practices, and the benefits of financial literacy initiatives, including the role of tools, metrics, and emerging technologies such as AI in improving employee financial well-being.
The advisory board features nine distinguished experts: Heather Coleman, Financial Wellness Queen at Enriched Academy; Dan Comisar, Strategy and Growth Officer at BrightDime; Shatrina Cosby, VP of Account Management & Development at Purchasing Power; Kim Duffy-Wylam, Managing Partner at Baker Tilly; Damond Fauconier, CHRO at Transportation Federal Credit Union; Marite Marlow, Chief Financial Officer at Center for Employment Training; Lilah Raynor, CEO at Logica Research; Cassandra Rose, SPHR, Fractional CPO at Fringe; and Rahkim Sabree, AFC, Financial Wellness Consultant, Keynote Speaker, and Author of Overcoming Financial Trauma.
"Financial stress can have a significant impact on employees' overall well-being and their ability to thrive at work," said Debbie McGrath, CEO of HR.com. "This research will help HR leaders better understand employees' needs and identify practical, effective ways to build financial wellness strategies that make a meaningful difference."
The findings and insights will be explored at a follow-up virtual event in the new year, offered free to the HR community. The State of Financial Wellness 2027 Virtual Event March 10, 2027 aims to equip HR professionals with actionable insights to strengthen financial wellness initiatives and better support employees' financial health.
The HR Research Institute releases annual "State of the Industry" reports across a variety of HR topic areas, including the most recent report on this topic, HR.com's State of Employee Financial Wellness 2026. This and other free research reports and infographics can be downloaded at hr.com/researchinstitute.
The formation of this advisory board signals a growing recognition that financial stress is a critical workforce issue. With employees' financial well-being directly impacting productivity, engagement, and retention, the research aims to provide HR leaders with evidence-based strategies to address these challenges. As organizations continue to navigate economic uncertainty, the insights generated by this board and the subsequent virtual event could prove instrumental in shaping effective financial wellness programs. The involvement of experts from diverse backgrounds—including financial education, credit unions, research, and consulting—suggests a comprehensive approach to tackling employee financial health. The 2027 research is expected to build on the 2026 report, offering updated data and actionable recommendations for HR professionals seeking to enhance their financial wellness offerings.
