MIT's living wage for one adult with no kids, living alone in Hawaii

Hawaii's minimum wage -- roughly half of what that living wage requires

Plenty of your younger employees are making that gap work by stacking jobs, splitting rent with roommates, or living with family longer than they'd planned. That pressure doesn't always show up as "I'm stressed about money" -- it shows up as distraction, irritability, or exhaustion that can look a lot like a mental health issue, because it often becomes one.

Picking up back-to-back shifts or a second job

Asking about pay advances or early paychecks

Noticeable tension or distraction around payday

Sudden change in living situation or commute

Skipping team lunches or optional paid events

Visible fatigue that tracks with a second job's schedule

Employees can call for a free 30-minute consultation with a financial expert. Topics include, but aren't limited to: budgeting techniques, debt and credit counseling, college funding and student loans, tax issues, and saving for financial emergencies. They can also call for free, supportive counseling and legal consultation.