New research reveals how on-demand pay boosts employee financial wellness and motivation

Real life doesn’t always wait for payday. When schedules and bills collide, employees need options that help them stay financially stable and focused at work. To understand just how powerful that flexibility can be, we surveyed nearly 1,900 U.S.-based users of Dayforce Wallet — the on-demand pay tool within the Dayforce AI-powered people platform.¹ 

The results reveal a clear connection between financial wellness and motivation: employees who can access their pay on-demand report experiencing less stress, making fewer costly financial trade-offs, and feeling more engaged in their work. On-demand pay does more than simplify payday — it helps people feel confident, motivated, and ready to do their best work. 

On-demand pay helps ease everyday stress 

Faster access to pay isn’t just a perk — it’s a lifeline. Seven in 10 of the Dayforce Wallet users we surveyed say they’d struggle to cover expenses without on-demand pay. Roughly the same number of users say that before accessing on-demand pay, they relied on costly stopgaps like payday loans or late fees, and just over half of them report paying bills late to bridge the gap. 

Today, 86% of these same users say they use on-demand pay for necessities — food, medicine, childcare, or paying bills on time — and save an average of $224 per month compared to those more expensive alternatives. That’s a measurable lift in financial wellness your employees can experience every day. 

I have a family to support. Things come up every day where I need money. I’m not fond of having to wait for money I’ve already worked for.... When you don't have a choice, your voice becomes moot. Dayforce gives you a voice and gives you money that is legitimately already your money. 

—Millennial male working in manufacturing, paid hourly 

Flexible pay can drive measurable business outcomes 

On-demand pay doesn’t just ease stress — it changes behavior. Over four in 10 surveyed users say they pick up extra shifts because it’s available, and 64% say their company is “a good place to work” because of it. Nearly three in four rank it among their top five workplace benefits, and almost one in five call it their number one perk. 

Together, these findings highlight how offering on-demand pay can strengthen engagement, retention, and organizational trust — outcomes  at the heart of every HR and payroll strategy. 

Leaders might be underestimating demand 

The research also revealed a perception gap. While 54% of surveyed Dayforce Wallet users call on-demand pay essential, only 38% of people leaders who also use Dayforce Wallet agree it’s essential for their teams – an 18-point difference. This gap suggests some leaders might underestimate how deeply pay flexibility impacts employee well-being and satisfaction.  

“On-demand pay makes me want to go to work because I can have access to most of the money that I earned that day to loan to family friends or pay bills.”  

—Gen Z female, paid hourly 

Make on-demand pay a pillar of financial wellness 

Employees overwhelmingly report using on-demand pay for essentials, and many say they’d struggle without it. That means it’s a core financial wellness benefit.  

In response to these findings, employers might feature on-demand pay more prominently in their communications around employee benefits. Framing on-demand pay as part of a financial wellness strategy helps connect the dots between culture, retention, and benefits in language that resonates with both employees and executives. 

It’s been extremely beneficial to have access to my pay the same day I earn it. With two kids, waiting two weeks for payday can be stressful. I can buy groceries when needed. And take care of unexpected expenses. 

—Gen X Female paid hourly 

Proof that drives confident decisions 

If you’re building a business case for on-demand pay, here’s what the data shows: 
 

• It can improve employee financial wellness — boosting confidence and engagement at work. 
• It can drive positive staffing and scheduling outcomes — employees pick up more shifts and stay longer. 
• It can strengthen your brand as an employer — signalling that your company values flexibility, trust, and employee well-being. 

Moving forward 

The data is clear: on-demand pay helps improve both the financial and emotional health of today’s workforce. It helps employees cover essentials, reduce their financial stress, and feel more in control.  

For organizations, pay flexibility is more than a benefit — it’s a statement of trust and empowerment that can strengthen culture and performance. By offering employees access to their pay when they want it, leaders can create a workforce that’s not only more financially secure but also more committed and motivated to perform.  

See how Dayforce Wallet can help you unlock your full people potential. 

1. This self-administered survey was conducted online by Prophet on behalf of Dayforce between August 13-27, 2025, among Dayforce Wallet users in the United States (n=1,896). Dayforce Wallet users were defined per client sample as active users in the U.S. who are currently employed and registered for Dayforce Wallet, made an on-demand pay request, or had a balance in their account within the past 30 days.