Easywage - Earned Wage Solution
Reducing Financial Stress and Enhancing Productivity Through On-Demand Salary Access
Confidential
2023
Fintech
48 hours
Casestudy
Challenge
Employees experience reduced productivity due to financial stress, impacting their well-being and overall performance. Traditional payroll cycles do not provide the financial flexibility employees need, leading to delayed payments, increased financial anxiety, and decreased workplace engagement.
Results
User research and testing validated the strong demand for Early Wage Access (EWA) as a solution for financial flexibility. Employees appreciated the ability to access earned wages before payday, reducing stress and improving financial planning. However, success depends on flexible withdrawal options, proactive financial safeguards, and seamless payroll integration. Insights from testing informed recommendations for enhancing security, usability, and employer adoption strategies to ensure long-term viability.
72%
of employees experience reduced productivity due to financial stress.
60%
of employees prefer flexible payroll options like Early Wage Access.
45%
of HR managers believe financial wellness tools improve employee retention.
Process
Research & Discovery: I conducted user interviews, surveys, and usability testing to understand how financial stress affects employee productivity. Additionally, I analyzed payroll system integrations, regulatory requirements, and market demand for an Early Wage Access (EWA) solution.
Strategy Workshops: I defined key user pain points, business objectives, and feasibility concerns. This phase helped shape the problem statement and refine hypotheses for validation.
Concept Development: I designed initial product concepts, focusing on seamless payroll integration, withdrawal flexibility, and employer control. Low-fidelity wireframes were created to test user interactions and financial behaviors.
Prototype & Testing: I built a high-fidelity interactive prototype and conducted usability tests with employees and HR representatives. Feedback led to improvements in security, user experience, and employer adoption strategies.
Iterative Design & Validation: Based on testing insights, I refined the app’s navigation, financial safeguards, and overall user experience. I also performed a cost-benefit analysis to ensure the solution’s business viability.
Initial Problem
“Employees are less productive due to financial stress”
Hypothesis
Problem #1
Employees experience decreased productivity due to financial stress.
Assessing for Desirability, feasibility and Viability
To ensure the Early Wage Access (EWA) solution was desirable, feasible, and viable, I conducted a comprehensive validation process covering three key areas
Desirability: Through user interviews, surveys, and prototype testing, I assessed how employees perceive financial stress and whether EWA could effectively reduce their financial burden. Employees responded positively, citing improved financial planning and reduced anxiety.
Feasibility: I collaborated with HR teams and payroll system providers to explore technical constraints, integration challenges, and compliance requirements. This ensured that the solution could work within existing payroll structures while meeting security and regulatory standards.
Viability: I conducted a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate economic impact, scalability, and employer adoption potential. Research showed that EWA could lead to higher employee retention, improved job satisfaction, and reduced absenteeism, making it a valuable long-term investment for companies.
This structured validation approach ensured that the solution was user-centric, technically sound, and financially sustainable before moving forward with implementation.
Interview Process
Desirability
a. How would having access to your earned wages before the regular payday impact your financial well-being and stress levels?
It will help, because i can cover expenses earlier rather than having to wait, which can cause trouble. It’s less stressful for me.
b. Do you find the concept of early wage access appealing and valuable as an employee benefit? Why or why not?
In my case yes, to be honest if there’s a weekly withdrawal that would be great.
c. Would early wage access influence your perception of your employer as a caring and supportive organization? How?
It depends, if the company has this culture then yes, if not and this was an act of kindness by direct management or HR then not so much.
Viability
a. How frequently do you think you would utilize early wage access if it were offered as a benefit at your workplace?
Weekly
b. Are you concerned about any potential drawbacks or risks associated with using an early wage access app?
Not at all, if getting paid weekly, i can plan my lifestyle on weekly bases. Except if there are some monthly payments like rent.
c. In your opinion, how important is the ease of use and security of the app for its long-term viability as an employee benefit?
I don’t see myself getting paid through the app, rather submitting a request and getting paid directly in person.
