In a world where TikTok “finfluencers” outnumber qualified advisers, employees are bombarded with financial chatter. From crypto “quick wins” to influencer-backed stock tips, much of this content spreads confusion rather than confidence - leaving people anxious, disengaged, and financially exposed. The question for employers is clear: how can you help your workforce filter the noise and develop real financial assurance?
The growing threat of financial misinformation
Social media has made financial advice accessible to everyone - but not always accurately. 40% of UK investors now rely on social media, finfluencers or AI tools for guidance (Fidelity International), and more than 70% of Gen Z investors consider social platforms their main source of investment information (Charles Schwab UK).
Unregulated influencers often promise fast profits without context, regulation or caution. Employees may cash out early or skip pension contributions entirely, jeopardising their future security and reducing the impact of employer-sponsored benefits.
This misinformation doesn’t just cost money - it fuels scepticism and stress. The result? Lower engagement with salary sacrifice schemes, minimal uptake of share plans, and widespread avoidance of investment options altogether.
Why traditional financial education falls short
Financial understanding isn’t just about information - it’s about confidence and trust. When employees don’t believe in the messenger, they tune out.
Conventional financial workshops or jargon-heavy webinars often feel abstract, impersonal and outdated, especially for younger workers. Meanwhile, social media offers financial content that’s fast, visual, and emotionally charged. A 90-minute pension talk simply can’t compete with a 30-second viral video that promises instant returns.
The challenge isn’t the lack of information - it’s how relevant, relatable and trustworthy that information feels. People crave plain-speaking, real-world guidance that connects money decisions to their lives, emotions and aspirations.
A new approach for employers
To fight misinformation effectively, financial education must evolve into an ongoing, interactive experience - not a tick-box exercise.
- Collaborate with trusted, regulated professionals
Partner with FCA-authorised advisers, coaches, or independent educators to deliver accurate and engaging sessions. Co-branding these initiatives with recognised experts helps reinforce credibility. Interactive formats - from myth-busting sessions to open Q&As - make complex ideas approachable and free of judgment.
- Tailor learning to life stages
Employees’ financial needs evolve, and your education strategy should too:
- Starting out: budgeting, saving, and understanding auto-enrolment
- Mid-career: diversification, investment growth, and family financial planning
- Pre-retirement: drawdown, tax efficiency and succession planning
Bite-sized podcasts, infographics and short-form videos keep learning accessible and continuous across these stages.
- Build digital discernment
Help staff develop the critical thinking skills to spot online misinformation by encouraging three key checks before acting on financial content:
- Who’s talking? Are they qualified and regulated?
- Who regulates them? Is the product or firm FCA-approved?
- Who benefits? Is someone being paid to promote this advice?
Teaching this framework promotes digital resilience and smarter decision-making.
- Integrate learning into workplace culture
Move beyond annual “financial wellbeing weeks.” Embed short, consistent learning opportunities into everyday workflows - onboarding, internal comms, and wellbeing platforms.
Gamified tools and mobile-first resources can boost engagement. For example:
- Smart saver challenges: small goal setting around savings or pension contribution boosts
- Financial quiz weeks: myth-busting quizzes hosted on intranets
- Budget reset days: mindful spending challenges framed as wellbeing, not austerity.
This approach normalises money conversations and reduces stigma.
- Empower peer champions
Creating financial wellbeing ambassadors can make all the difference. Trained peer advocates host informal sessions, share insights, and guide colleagues toward reliable resources. Employees often find it easier to ask peers than HR - and this peer-led model embeds financial confidence alongside mental and physical wellbeing initiatives.
The business case: clarity builds confidence
Financial wellbeing now sits at the heart of employee engagement. Confident, well-informed employees are more likely to participate in pension schemes, share plans and other benefits - and less likely to be distracted by financial anxiety or online misinformation.
For organisations, this translates to higher benefit uptake, improved satisfaction, stronger retention and a reputation for responsible leadership. In an environment where scams and false promises thrive, promoting financial literacy signals both care and credibility.
Empower your workforce
Financial misinformation isn’t fading - it’s multiplying. But employers can bring clarity and calm.
By investing in trusted experts, relatable education, and continuous engagement, organisations can help employees make smart, confident financial choices that strengthen both their future and the business’s success.
In a world full of noise, one of the most powerful things an employer can provide is truth - explained clearly and consistently.
About FlexGenius financial services
At FlexGenius we help organisations deliver financial education that truly connects- from jargon-free guides on finance and tax to engaging video content and simple tools for forecasting retirement income.
Our expert-led sessions and digital learning resources make complex topics clear, actionable and trustworthy. Whether it’s demystifying investments, building pension confidence or strengthening everyday financial resilience, we empower employees and deliver measurable impact for employers.
Because when people understand their finances, everyone benefits.
Ready to help your people make smarter financial decisions?
Book a demo, email enquiries@avantus.co.uk or call 0800 652 4745 to build a confident, financially resilient workforce.
