What to do if you’re too stressed at work because of money worries
Most of us spend a big part of our lives at work. It’s where we focus, earn our living and often build friendships too. But when money problems follow you into the workplace, everything can start to feel harder. You may struggle to concentrate, find it tough to keep up with tasks, or even worry that your performance is slipping.
Being stressed at work with money worries is far more common than many people realise. This article explores why financial pressure has such a strong impact on work, how to spot the signs it’s affecting you, and the practical steps you can take to cope and regain control.
How money worries follow us into work
Financial stress doesn’t stay neatly at home. If you’re worried about bills or debts, those thoughts can creep in during meetings, when you’re trying to concentrate, or even while you’re chatting with colleagues. Instead of giving your full attention to the task in front of you, you may find your mind drifting to overdue payments or your dwindling bank balance.
There’s a simple reason for this: money is tied to security. When it feels uncertain, your brain often goes into problem-solving mode, scanning for danger and running through possible outcomes. That kind of thinking makes it hard to stay present at work.
How financial stress affects performance
Everyone has days when focus dips. But ongoing financial stress at work can take a bigger toll. You may notice:
- Struggling to concentrate on tasks you normally find easy
- Missing deadlines because your mind feels crowded
- Increased irritability with colleagues or managers
- Using sick days more often, sometimes to deal with calls or letters about debt
- Avoiding social aspects of work, such as team lunches, because of money worries.
Left unchecked, these issues can impact confidence, relationships with your team, and even career progression.
The link between money and mental health
Money and mental health often affect each other in a cycle. Worrying about money can increase stress and anxiety. In turn, feeling anxious or low can make it harder to manage finances, leading to missed payments or avoidance.
It’s important to recognise the difference between occasional stress and something more serious. Feeling anxious for a short period around payday is natural. But if your worries about debt or bills are constant and you find it difficult to function, this may be a sign of anxiety as a condition. If this is the case, you should seek advice from your GP or a mental health professional.
Signs it might be time to ask for help
It can be tough to admit when money worries are getting too much, but recognising the signs early gives you more options. It might be time to reach out for support if:
- You feel panicked every time your phone rings or a letter arrives
- Your sleep is regularly affected by thoughts about money
- You’ve avoided looking at your bank balance for weeks
- Work feels overwhelming because financial worries take up so much mental space
- You’re relying on credit to get through the basics each month.
If you recognise yourself in more than one of these, you don’t have to keep pushing through on your own.
Practical steps to ease the pressure
While you can’t make debt disappear overnight, there are ways to reduce the mental load and start taking back control.
1. Break tasks into small steps
Instead of trying to solve everything at once, focus on one action at a time. That might mean opening a single bill, checking your latest balance, or writing down a list of what you owe. Even small steps reduce uncertainty.
2. Create boundaries at work
If possible, set aside specific times outside working hours to deal with money admin. This helps stop financial stress from spilling into your workday.
3. Talk to someone you trust
Sharing what’s going on can ease the burden. It might be a friend, family member, or a colleague you feel comfortable with. Simply saying things out loud can lessen the pressure.
4. Prioritise essential bills
Not all debts carry the same risks. Payments like rent, council tax and utilities should come first. Understanding the difference between priority and non-priority debts can help you focus on what matters most.
5. Consider professional support
If your debts are too large to handle alone, speaking with a debt adviser can give you clear options. At MoneyPlus, our advisors provide confidential, non-judgemental advice and can explain which solutions might work for you.
Coping strategies at work
There are also practical ways to look after yourself in the workplace while you’re dealing with money problems:
- Take short breaks: A five-minute walk or a few deep breaths can reset your focus.
- Stay organised: Writing to-do lists helps when your mind feels scattered.
- Be honest if needed: If financial stress is affecting performance, consider talking to your manager or HR. Many workplaces now have employee wellbeing programmes.
- Avoid comparing yourself: Colleagues may seem to be coping better, but everyone’s circumstances are different.
These coping tools won’t solve the underlying money issues, but they can make it easier to get through each workday while you put longer-term plans in place.
When financial stress becomes unmanageable
Sometimes no matter how hard you try, the numbers just don’t add up. If you’re regularly falling behind, relying on credit for essentials, or receiving letters from creditors, it may be time to consider a structured debt solution, such as a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA).
Having a debt solution in place can help with managing your finances. When surveyed, 2 in 3 MoneyPlus customers said they felt less stressed after getting a debt solution*. To find your solution, you can get free free advice from MoneyHelper. Or, you can get debt advice from MoneyPlus. We’ll help you explore your options in more detail so you can find the right one for you.
*MoneyPlus customer survey 366 respondents May 2025
