At Meridian Group, we understand that financial stress doesn’t just affect employees—it impacts the workplace as a whole. With 84% of South African employees deeply concerned about their finances, this challenge demands innovative and people-first solutions. That’s why we’re proud to introduce Earned Wage Access (EWA) through our groundbreaking Jem solution—a bold step forward in supporting our employees’ well-being and boosting productivity.

“Financial stress is a major distraction for employees, affecting their focus and productivity in storesevery day,” says Karen Hammond, Group Head of People at Meridian. With over 5,000 employeesacross South Africa, traditional payday schedules often leave many living paycheck to paycheck,unable to cover bills or unexpected expenses. This is where flexible access to earnings is making adifference.

Why Financial Empowerment Matters

At Meridian, we believe that a financially secure team is a thriving team. Karen Hammond highlightssome startling statistics:

• 75% of employees live paycheck to paycheck.
• 70% of employees struggle to pay bills on time.
• Only 50% have access to emergency funds when they need them.

Providing employees with real-time, flexible access to their earnings helps reduce this financial strain,empowering them to deal with emergencies and plan more effectively. Research shows that 95% ofemployees value early wage access, and 89% are more likely to stay with employers who offer it.

Earned Wage Access: A Game-Changer for Employees

Earned Wage Access (EWA) allows employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, giving them financial flexibility without the need for loans or high-interest credit.

This zero-cost benefit offers:

• Immediate Relief: Employees can access funds when they need them most, without waiting for payday.
• Financial Stability: Avoiding payday loans and credit cards reduces stress and promotes better financial health.
• Simple and Flexible: The user-friendly Jem platform ensures employees can tap into their earnings in real-time, while Meridian maintains controls to ensure financial balance.

A Win-Win for Employees and Meridian

The introduction of Earned Wage Access (EWA) isn’t just about addressing financial wellness; it’s a strategic initiative with far-reaching benefits for both employees and the business.

• Reduced Financial Stress: Empowered employees are less distracted and more focused.
• Improved Retention: Employees feel valued and supported, leading to stronger loyalty.
• Increased Productivity: Less stress translates into better performance at work.
• Streamlined Processes: Automating wage access reduces the administrative burden and risk associated with manual loan management.

Hilton Loring, Group CEO of Meridian, reinforces the significance of this step:
“By giving our employees access to their earnings when they need them, we’re investing in their well-being, strengthening trust, and fostering a culture that puts people first.”

A Commitment to Thriving Teams

Meridian’s Earned Wage Access initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to our people. By addressing financial stress head-on, we’re creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to thrive.

Through Jem, we’re not just transforming financial access—we’re redefining what it means to care for our workforce. This bold step forward reinforces Meridian’s mission to empower our teams, boost productivity, and ensure that every employee feels secure and ready to succeed.

At Meridian, we don’t just create solutions. We create opportunities for our people and brands to thrive.