Prudential Financial Inc. recently called for American employers to embrace benefits inclusive of financial wellness in recognition of two specially designated time periods over the past month.

With “America Saves Week” and “Military Saves Week” concurrently running through March 3, Prudential asked businesses to improve U.S. workers’ financial security.

Several new facets of the phenomenon emerged at the New Year as the U.S. military transitioned its pension management from a conventional structure over to a “blended retirement system,” merging defined benefits with defined contributions — resulting in greater responsibility among individuals regarding decision-making.

Citing an “alarming” proportion of employees expressing distress over finances — reported to be at 57 percent by its own reckoning — company spokespersons requested that employers heighten their awareness of the correlation between stress and productivity.

Consequently, said Prudential Financial’s head of Workplace Solutions Andy Sullivan, “… many companies are taking deliberate actions to expand traditional workplace benefits by incorporating holistic programs that help employees improve their financial health.”            

Sullivan, himself a Navy veteran, stated that employers can step up their involvement to better appreciate the unique challenges which service personnel face as they segue into civilian life.

Kylee Durant, the USO’s vice president of transition technology & innovation program, underscored the issue, adding that homecoming after military service involves more than just securing employment.

“It’s about managing that new income,” Durant said. “Our partnership with Prudential to deliver financial education to transitioning service members is a realization of that need.”