Benefits that actually make a difference – how Embedded Finance empowers employees

Think of Embedded Finance as putting financial services – payments, savings, insurance, even investments – directly into platforms employees already use, like the HR or payroll software you work with. No extra logins, no hidden portals. Just simple processes where they make sense.

Benefits are meant to attract, engage, and retain. But too often, they just sit unused. In fact, a third of employees never touch theirs (Alight Study 2023). Why? Because life is busy, access can be complicated, and some offers just don’t feel relevant. Especially for employees used to digital-first experiences, benefits that are tricky to use simply don’t feel helpful. Benefits only shine when they are simple, visible, and truly meaningful.

Companies that offer competitive financial benefits can attract top talent, with 71% of employees very or extremely likely to accept a new job if such benefits are provided (Business Wire, 2024).

These benefits also boost satisfaction, as 80% of employees with financial perks report being satisfied with their work life, compared to 63% without (Parlons RH).

Additionally, tailored financial benefits strengthen retention, with 91% of employees indicating they would feel more committed to staying at their company (Morgan Stanley).

Companies that get this right see real results:

• 🚀 Talent magnet – this does probably not come as a surprise. 71% would switch jobs for better financial benefits

• 💡 Productivity boost – financially secure employees are 5× less distracted

• 🙌 Lower absenteeism – up to 30% fewer sick days

• 💸 Cost savings – reduced turnover cuts recruiting & training costs

So what does this look like in real life? Here are some practical ways Embedded Finance turns benefits from a static list on paper into something employees actually feel in their everyday work and lives:

• 🎁 Flexible Benefit Wallets: Digital credits for wellness, learning, or lifestyle perks. Use them when and how it makes sense.

• 💰 On-Demand Pay (Earned Wage Access): Get a part of your earned salary whenever you need it. No waiting for payday.

• 📈 Automated Savings & Investments: Automatically direct a portion of your pay into savings, retirement funds, or investments. Making it easy to plan for the future.

• 🛡️ Embedded Insurance: Health, life, accident, or travel coverage with simple, quick enrollment. Peace of mind, hassle-free.

• 💳 Payroll-Linked Loans & Financial Wellness Tools: Affordable credit tied to payroll, plus budgeting and debt-repayment support. Smarter financial planning made easy.

• 🌍 Global Payroll & Cross-Border Benefits: Multi-currency payments and local benefit access for international or remote teams.

As we talk about benefits, we also live them at YAPEAL. We focus on what truly matters in the end: giving our people the trust and flexibility they deserve. Benefits are most powerful when they align with how people actually live and work, which is why we keep them simple, relevant, and adaptable, so our employees can focus on what matters most, both at work and in life.

Embedded Finance is more than a buzzword. It’s a gamechanger. It turns benefits from a nice-to-have list into something people actually use, boosting both satisfaction and performance.

In a world where a paycheck alone isn’t enough, Embedded Finance is the bridge between financial wellbeing and employee experience. And when paired with real flexibility, like we live at YAPEAL, it becomes a powerful way to create a work environment that truly supports people and business.

Your fruit basket won’t retain your talent, but benefits that truly empower them, enabled by Embedded Finance, just might. ✨

Sabrina Wiik

Head People & Culture at YAPEAL