In today’s fast-moving labor market, attracting and keeping reliable hourly workers is one of the biggest challenges facing small businesses. Whether you run a restaurant, retail store, warehouse, or healthcare facility, the struggle is the same: high turnover, missed shifts, and fierce competition for dependable talent.
But there’s one benefit that’s changing the game—and it’s easier to implement than you might think.
Earned Wage Access (EWA), also known as on-demand pay, gives employees the option to access their wages as they earn them, instead of waiting for payday. Through solutions like the AsurePay™ Platinum Visa® card, employers can offer this high-impact benefit without altering their payroll process or adding overhead costs.
In this post, we’ll explore how EWA helps solve key workforce challenges and why small businesses are increasingly using on-demand pay as a strategic edge.
The Hourly Hiring Problem: High Turnover and Low Loyalty
Let’s start with the facts:
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Hourly jobs have the highest turnover rates in the workforce—often exceeding 100% annually in industries like hospitality and retail.
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The cost of replacing an hourly worker can range from $1,500 to $5,000 depending on training, lost productivity, and hiring efforts.
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Many employees cite pay timing and financial stress as reasons for quitting—even if they like the job.
For small business owners, this means that every missed shift or resignation is a blow to team morale and bottom-line performance.
Why Traditional Pay Cycles No Longer Work
The standard two-week pay cycle was designed for a different era—one where most workers had savings, access to credit, and fewer day-to-day financial vulnerabilities.
Today, over 60% of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. A single unexpected expense—like a car repair or medical bill—can derail their entire financial stability.
As a result, hourly employees are often:
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Distracted by financial stress
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Requesting paycheck advances
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Turning to payday lenders with high interest
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Leaving jobs in search of faster access to wages
This cycle leads to burnout, disengagement, and high attrition—costing your business time and money.
The Solution: Earned Wage Access with AsurePay™
Earned Wage Access lets employees access a portion of their earned wages before payday—usually via a mobile app and prepaid card. With AsurePay, wages are instantly deposited on a Visa-branded debit card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, including ATMs.
Benefits for Employees:
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Instant Access to Earnings: Employees can access wages in minutes—not days or weeks
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No Interest or Fees: On-demand pay is not a loan; it’s their money
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Digital Banking Perks: AsurePay includes FDIC-insured banking, 3.00% APY on savings, budgeting tools, and no hidden fees
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Financial Empowerment: Employees can better manage bills, emergencies, and daily spending without resorting to predatory lenders
Why Employers Benefit Too
Offering EWA isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s a strategic workforce advantage. Here’s how it helps your business:
1. Boost Hiring and Job Offer Acceptance
Today’s workers expect more flexibility from employers. Offering on-demand pay makes your job posting stand out. Many employers report higher application rates and faster time-to-hire after introducing EWA.
2. Reduce Turnover and Improve Loyalty
When employees feel supported—especially in times of financial stress—they’re more likely to stay. Studies show that offering EWA can lead to 20–29% lower turnover.
3. Promote Shift Coverage and Attendance
Workers are more likely to pick up extra shifts or avoid calling out when they know they can access those earnings immediately.
4. Lower Financial Stress, Improve Productivity
Financially secure employees are more engaged, focused, and committed. You’re not just offering a perk—you’re investing in your team’s well-being.
5. No Added Cost or Administrative Burden
Solutions like AsurePay are funded by the provider and integrate with your payroll—meaning no changes to your pay cycle, no out-of-pocket employer costs, and no complex setup.
Real-World Example: From Staffing Gaps to Stability
A quick-service restaurant chain was struggling with high turnover and open roles staying vacant for weeks. After implementing on-demand pay with AsurePay:
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Their application rates increased by 38%
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Exit interview data showed that the #1 reason for staying was “flexibility in pay”
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Turnover dropped by 25% over six months
How AsurePay Works (It’s Easier Than You Think)
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Employees enroll through a mobile app and receive their Visa card
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As they work, they earn available balance for early access
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They can instantly access funds through the card or digital wallet
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On payday, the advance is automatically deducted and reconciled—no manual work required by the employer
EWA: The Modern Benefit Hourly Workers Actually Want
More than ever, employees want flexibility and financial wellness—not just a paycheck. Offering on-demand pay shows you care about your workforce and puts your business ahead of the curve.
Whether you’re managing 10 employees or 500, AsurePay helps you attract top talent, reduce turnover, and create a stronger, more financially secure team.
💼 Want to make your workplace more attractive to today’s workforce?
See how AsurePay™ empowers your employees—and protects your bottom line.
👉 Visit asuresoftware.com/asurepay