In today's competitive talent landscape, employers are under pressure to deliver not just attractive salaries—but real financial solutions. One of the fastest-growing workplace benefits is Earned Wage Access (EWA), a service that allows employees to access their earned income before payday.

If you're in HR and believe EWA could improve your workforce's well-being and retention, you may be wondering how to get buy-in from senior leadership. Here’s how to frame EWA to your CFO and CHRO—with clear talking points, business impact, and ROI.

Understand What Matters to Them

Before crafting your pitch, align your proposal with your leadership’s goals:

• CFOs are focused on cost savings, operational efficiency, and financial stability.
• CHROs prioritize employee engagement, retention, and employer branding.

Talking Points for the CFO

1. EWA with Credex is at No-Cost to the Employer 

Most EWA platforms (like Credex) operate on a zero-cost or low-cost model for employers. The financial burden doesn’t fall on the business, making it an easy win from a budget perspective.

2. Reduces Turnover Costs

Replacing an employee can cost 30–50% of their annual salary. EWA has been shown to reduce turnover by up to 20–30%, especially in high-churn industries like manufacturing, retail, and hospitality.

ROI Example:

If your company saves RM2,000 per retained employee annually and EWA reduces turnover by just 10% across 500 workers, that’s RM1,000,000 in savings.

3. Minimizes Payday Lending Risk

Financially stressed employees often turn to high-interest loans or loan sharks, which increases absenteeism and distractions at work. EWA lowers this risk with a compliant, structured alternative.

Talking Points for the CHRO

1. Boosts Employee Satisfaction and Retention

Employees consistently rank “access to earned wages” among the top three most desired benefits. Companies offering EWA report higher satisfaction scores and lower attrition. 77% of employees said EWA would make them stay longer at their current job (PwC, 2023).

2. Improves Employer Branding

Offering EWA positions your company as a progressive, empathetic employer—especially appealing to Gen Z, millennials, and foreign or unbanked workers.

3. Supports DEI and Financial Inclusion

EWA empowers underserved groups, like low-income workers or those without bank access, offering them greater control over their finances and reducing dependency on predatory lenders.

Bonus Tips for Your Pitch

• Use employee surveys: If your workforce reports financial stress, use this data to support your case.
• Share testimonials: Reference success stories from other companies or pilot projects.
• Suggest a pilot: Recommend starting with one business unit to test the impact before full rollout.

Final Thoughts

For many HR leaders, Earned Wage Access isn't just a benefit—it’s a strategic lever. It reduces stress, lowers turnover, and builds a stronger employer brand—all without requiring big investments or complex integrations.

When pitching to your CFO or CHRO, keep the conversation focused on business impact, risk reduction, and workforce retention. With the right framing, EWA goes from “nice to have” to a clear financial and cultural advantage.

Ready to take the next step?

Partner with Credex—Malaysia’s trusted Earned Wage Access provider.

We help companies of all sizes offer flexible salary access with zero payroll disruption.

Book a free demo or consultation at www.credex.my

Or contact us directly at kuan@credex.my

Empower your workforce. Strengthen your business. Start with Credex.

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