Flexible pay and sustainability: A step towards financial well-being
Flexible pay and sustainability: A step towards financial well-being
When we talk about sustainability, we often think of climate and the environment. But increasingly, it is also about how we take care of people at work. Financial well-being is part of that picture, and flexible pay is becoming a topic more businesses need to address.
Not as a green initiative, but as a concrete step that shows responsibility for employees.
When we talk about sustainability, we often think of climate and the environment. But increasingly, it is also about how we take care of people at work. Financial well-being is part of that picture, and flexible pay is becoming a topic more businesses need to address.
Not as a green initiative, but as a concrete step that shows responsibility for employees.
Candace Quevedo
Candace Quevedo
Sep 24, 2025
Sep 24, 2025
Financial stress exists in Norway too
Financial stress exists in Norway too
The numbers are clear. Statistics Norway shows that in 2024, 21.6 percent of households could not handle an unexpected expense, and 8.7 percent said it was difficult to make ends meet.
These worries don’t stop at the front door. They follow employees into the workplace in the form of poor sleep, reduced productivity, and higher absenteeism. The If Nordic Health Report 2024 points to financial concerns as one of the biggest sources of stress at work.
Flexible pay, meaning early access to already earned wages, cannot solve every challenge. But for many, it means less pressure and greater control in everyday life.
Read more: What is financial health, and why should companies care?
The numbers are clear. Statistics Norway shows that in 2024, 21.6 percent of households could not handle an unexpected expense, and 8.7 percent said it was difficult to make ends meet.
These worries don’t stop at the front door. They follow employees into the workplace in the form of poor sleep, reduced productivity, and higher absenteeism. The If Nordic Health Report 2024 points to financial concerns as one of the biggest sources of stress at work.
Flexible pay, meaning early access to already earned wages, cannot solve every challenge. But for many, it means less pressure and greater control in everyday life.
Read more: What is financial health, and why should companies care?
What the research says about flexible pay
What the research says about flexible pay
International studies point in the same direction:
A study by 60 Decibels (2024–2025) found that over half of users reported lower financial stress and a stronger sense of employer support.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has recognized flexible pay as a measure that can support financial health, while stressing the need for clear frameworks.
In Norway, wages are usually paid once a month. Many households bridge the gap with credit cards or short-term loans. Here, flexible pay is an alternative that reduces reliance on expensive credit and gives employees a more manageable day-to-day economy.
At the same time, it is important to be realistic. Flexible pay is not a silver bullet. Without good guidance, it can lead to short-term fixes instead of long-term planning. That is why employers should combine the solution with information and financial tools.
This is exactly what we at Celeri work on. We offer flexible pay together with knowledge and tips from financial experts, giving employees tools to plan better and build lasting financial health.
International studies point in the same direction:
A study by 60 Decibels (2024–2025) found that over half of users reported lower financial stress and a stronger sense of employer support.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) has recognized flexible pay as a measure that can support financial health, while stressing the need for clear frameworks.
In Norway, wages are usually paid once a month. Many households bridge the gap with credit cards or short-term loans. Here, flexible pay is an alternative that reduces reliance on expensive credit and gives employees a more manageable day-to-day economy.
At the same time, it is important to be realistic. Flexible pay is not a silver bullet. Without good guidance, it can lead to short-term fixes instead of long-term planning. That is why employers should combine the solution with information and financial tools.
This is exactly what we at Celeri work on. We offer flexible pay together with knowledge and tips from financial experts, giving employees tools to plan better and build lasting financial health.
The connection to sustainability and reporting
The connection to sustainability and reporting
With the EU’s new (CSRD directive), Norwegian companies must now report in line with ESRS standards. Flexible pay is not a requirement, but it shows that companies are taking active steps to support their workforce.
Under ESRS S1 “Own workforce”, flexible pay connects to several themes:
Fair pay and working conditions. Flexibility can increase employees’ sense of financial security.
Psychosocial risks. Financial stress is recognized as a workplace risk in ISO 45003, and measures to reduce it support a healthier work environment.
Employee support and benefits. Flexible pay can be highlighted as a voluntary initiative that strengthens employees’ short-term resilience.
In practice, flexible pay is a visible sign that the company takes social responsibility seriously, not just compliance.
With the EU’s new (CSRD directive), Norwegian companies must now report in line with ESRS standards. Flexible pay is not a requirement, but it shows that companies are taking active steps to support their workforce.
Under ESRS S1 “Own workforce”, flexible pay connects to several themes:
Fair pay and working conditions. Flexibility can increase employees’ sense of financial security.
Psychosocial risks. Financial stress is recognized as a workplace risk in ISO 45003, and measures to reduce it support a healthier work environment.
Employee support and benefits. Flexible pay can be highlighted as a voluntary initiative that strengthens employees’ short-term resilience.
In practice, flexible pay is a visible sign that the company takes social responsibility seriously, not just compliance.
How to measure the effect of flexible pay
How to measure the effect of flexible pay
How do you know if flexible pay actually works? A few simple indicators can be:
Share of employees using the solution
Surveys (e.g. Celeri’s free financial stress survey)
Changes in turnover, absenteeism, or requests for advances
Employee feedback on whether it helped them avoid late fees or debt
How do you know if flexible pay actually works? A few simple indicators can be:
Share of employees using the solution
Surveys (e.g. Celeri’s free financial stress survey)
Changes in turnover, absenteeism, or requests for advances
Employee feedback on whether it helped them avoid late fees or debt
A small step with big value
A small step with big value
Flexible pay does not change how much employees earn or how many hours they work. It is simply about accessibility. For many, it can mean fewer worries, less debt, and greater predictability in everyday life.
On its own, it does not solve everything. But combined with fair pay, financial guidance, and strong health and safety practices, flexible pay becomes an important piece of a more sustainable workplace.
At Celeri, we believe that flexibility and long-term financial health must go hand in hand. That is why we combine flexible pay with tools for saving and financial education.
Want to see how this can be part of your strategy?
Download our two-pager here.
Flexible pay does not change how much employees earn or how many hours they work. It is simply about accessibility. For many, it can mean fewer worries, less debt, and greater predictability in everyday life.
On its own, it does not solve everything. But combined with fair pay, financial guidance, and strong health and safety practices, flexible pay becomes an important piece of a more sustainable workplace.
At Celeri, we believe that flexibility and long-term financial health must go hand in hand. That is why we combine flexible pay with tools for saving and financial education.
Want to see how this can be part of your strategy?
Download our two-pager here.
See also:
See also:
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