More Than a Paycheque: The Power of Financial Literacy in the Workplace

At Juralco Aluminium, John works as a Quality Control Assistant—a role that requires precision, consistency, and care. But behind the scenes, like many hard-working employees, John was juggling more than just his day-to-day tasks. He was also navigating financial pressures, trying to provide for his family while managing life’s unpredictable challenges.

Originally from Samoa, John was one of 13 Juralco team members who completed the Future-Ready Money Confidence Programme—a workplace-based financial education course delivered by Zeducation and funded by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited. The programme is designed to support Pacific and migrant workers across Auckland with real-world financial tools and strategies to improve both their wellbeing and productivity.

“I joined the course because I wanted to gain some experience and knowledge about money,” John shared. “I’m going through a difficult situation, and I just needed to learn how to manage better.”

Over the course of the programme, John learned how to set achievable financial goals, track his income and expenses, and—perhaps most importantly—develop a plan for saving.

“One of the most important things I learned is how to save,” he said. “Saving is everything—especially when you have kids who get sick, or you need to take them to the doctor. In New Zealand, everything is money. Nothing is free.”

John’s motivation was clear: his family. The ability to build savings meant more than just financial security—it meant peace of mind, stability, and the ability to support his children when they need him most.

“If you know how to budget, and you have experience in how to save your money—you’re going to be okay.”

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Why Financial Education Matters in the Workplace

John’s story is one of many that highlight the deep connection between personal financial wellbeing and performance at work. According to Sorted.org.nz:

• 83% of employers say money problems interfere with productivity

• 46% of employees worry about their finances

• 20 hours per month are lost due to personal financial stress

• 58% of employers report that “financial illness” drives absenteeism

  
  

Investing in programmes like Future-Ready Money Confidence isn’t just about teaching budgeting—it’s about empowering employees to feel in control of their lives, reducing stress, and improving their ability to be present, focused, and engaged at work.

Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Zeducation and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, companies like Juralco are taking bold steps to care for their staff in ways that truly matter—starting with their wallets and ending with their wellbeing.

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Interested in learning more about our financial wellbeing programmes? Contact us here.