When it comes to financial wellbeing, it's easy to focus on tools, platforms and technology. But what if the biggest influence on our financial decisions isn't rational at all?
In this webinar, Dr Tom is joined by Alice Hooper-Scott, Head of The School of Life at Work, to explore the emotional side of money, workplace wellbeing and the human skills that matter most in an increasingly complex world. From financial confidence and psychological safety to curiosity and AI, the conversation offers practical insights for HR leaders, managers or anyone interested in helping people thrive.
For employers, the session provides a fresh perspective on how to increase engagement with wellbeing initiatives, support employees through uncertainty and change, strengthen leadership capability, and build the emotional skills that underpin resilience, performance and successful AI adoption.
1. How do our emotions influence our financial wellbeing?
One of the webinar's most powerful messages is that money isn't just a numbers problem.
Many people think they know what to do with their finances, but emotions such as shame, fear, guilt and anxiety might get in the way. The session explores why improving financial wellbeing requires more than providing tools and resources – it requires understanding the emotional relationship people have with money.
2. Are more tools always the answer?
Many organisations may invest in wellbeing technology, from savings apps to discount platforms and financial education tools.
But Alice explored the assumption that technology alone solves behavioural challenges. Sometimes an abundance of resources can actually make people feel worse, particularly if they're already struggling. This highlights the importance of pairing practical support with emotional support to drive meaningful change.
3. Is self-awareness one of the most important workplace skills?
Drawing on The School of Life's philosophy of warmly pessimistic self-awareness, the discussion highlights the importance of acknowledging imperfections without judgement.
By normalising imperfection, we are more likely to examine our behaviours honestly, understand triggers, and make positive changes. Whether the topic is money, leadership or career development, self-awareness is positioned as a foundation for growth.
4. Why does psychological safety matter now more than ever?
The video explored that creating a culture where employees feel safe speaking honestly can be one of the biggest challenges facing HR professionals and people leaders today.
From discussing career frustrations to navigating uncertainty and change, our guests in the video explored that employees can be more engaged when they feel able to have open conversations without fear of judgement. The discussion also explores the critical role managers play in creating environments where people can thrive.
5. Is curiosity our most valuable AI skill?
Rather than focusing solely on the technical side of AI adoption, the conversation examines the human side.
Alice explains why curiosity can help reduce anxiety and make people more open to change. Leaders are encouraged to create opportunities for experimentation, learning and play, helping employees see AI as a tool that can enhance their work rather than threaten it.
6. Is resilience the answer people need right now?
The discussion explored why many employees feel overwhelmed by being told to be more resilient when pressures are already high. Instead, organisations are increasingly focusing on wellbeing, helping people manage their energy, emotions and overall mental health. The shift from resilience to wellbeing reflects a more human-centred approach to workplace support.
The session goes beyond traditional conversations about financial wellbeing. It explores the connections between money, behaviour, emotions, leadership and workplace culture, reminding us that people aren't purely rational decision-makers.
Whether you're a HR professional, manager or wellbeing champion, the session offers practical insights into how we can better support employees through uncertainty and the everyday challenges of work and life.
For more information on financial wellbeing, visit our Money:Mindshift hub for employers.
Missed the webinar?
If you missed the live session, or you’d like to revisit some of the ideas discussed, you can catch up on the recording here. You'll come away with fresh perspectives on financial wellbeing, emotional literacy, psychological safety and the human skills that will matter most in the future of work.
Take some time to watch the webinar and discover why meaningful wellbeing support requires more than just technology.