31% stronger finances in six months, even in a world-class workplace

Arrie Pieterse -

African Leadership Academy (ALA) is known for its culture of commitment and excellence. But like many leading organisations, they understand an important reality:

Financial stress affects people across all salary bands, seniority levels and industries.

Our Financial Stress Report shows just how common it is across income levels and industries:

  • 4 in 5 employees regularly worry about money
  • More than 80% say it affects their energy, focus, or motivation
  • 7 in 10 are thinking about changing jobs because of financial pressure

This isn’t about weak pay or poor culture. It’s about the reality that managing money today is complex, even for high earners.

ALA saw an opportunity. If they could help their people feel more in control of their money, they could unlock more focus, loyalty, and performance.

From insight to action: The Financial Freedom Programme™

ALA partnered with Wealthbit to give their team access to the Financial Freedom Programme™.

It’s a structured, step-by-step support system that meets people where they are – irrespective of age, career level or financial status. Live workshops build shared momentum, one-to-one coaching turns personal goals into action, and an AI-powered app keeps progress visible between sessions. The focus is on helping people build long-term control over their money, not just short-term relief.

This isn’t generic financial literacy. Every staff member works with a coach matched to their career stage, so the advice is relevant and practical. Whether the goal is paying off debt, building savings, or simply feeling less anxious about money, the support is tailored and action-focused.

"Wealthbit’s programme is the first I’ve seen that matches staff to a financial coach based on their age and stage of career. The impact is tangible, from reducing debt to saving smarter to simply feeling more in control each month."
— Kim Urquhart, Head of HR, African Leadership Academy

Six months in: Results you can see

After just six months, the outcomes are clear:

  • 31% average improvement in employees’ financial position
  • 34% programme engagement, more than three times typical Employee Assistance Programme rates
  • Greater confidence and clarity leading to sharper focus and stronger contribution at work

For ALA, this is not just about wellbeing. It’s about retaining great people, improving performance, and strengthening their position as an employer of choice.

“One of our strategic goals is to strengthen our employee value proposition, and Wealthbit has been an excellent partner in helping us deliver on that. — Kim Urquhart, Head of HR, African Leadership Academy


Even the best workplaces can’t assume financial wellbeing will take care of itself. When you invest in it directly, you create the conditions for your people to thrive at work and in life.