Women are facing significant barriers to financial security. In fact, just 27% of women are satisfied with their present financial situation, compared to over 40% of men according to  Principal Financial Group's 2024 Global Financial Inclusion Index Consumer Pulse. At work, women face a persistent wage gap; at home, there are ever-present caregiving responsibilities; and in retirement, women are determining how to fund post-work years in an ever-changing economic environment. As the Senior Vice President of a leading benefits business and champion for financial inclusion, I have witnessed firsthand the unique challenges women face in achieving financial security and how targeted employer initiatives can bridge this gap.

As context for this new data, it's important to keep in mind there is no one thing acting as a barrier for women; this is a complex, multifaceted conversation we need to have across industries. But it also presents an opportunity for business leaders, particularly those in financial services, to rethink and recommit to how we support women in the workplace, facilitating greater access to the resources they need to achieve financial inclusion and security.

According to recent findings from Edelman, the majority of Americans (79%) trust their employer to do the right thing, meaning employers are well-positioned to provide tools, resources, and guidance to the many women in the workforce who are not confident about their financial situations. Here are steps employers can take today to provide the women in their organization with greater access to financial security.