Why Remuneration,and Earned Wage Access, Are The Cornerstone Of A Compelling Evp

How 21st Century is using a partnered Earned Wage Access tool are tackling financial stress in the workplace

When it comes to designing a powerful Employee Value Proposition (EVP), there’s no shortage of talk about purpose, career growth, culture, flexibility, and leadership. And while all these pillars matter, there’s one that sits quietly at the base of the entire structure: remuneration.

It may not be the most glamorous EVP pillar, but it’s certainly the most critical to get right. If your employees are lying awake at night worrying about how they’ll pay for transport, groceries, or emergency expenses, the rest of your EVP isn’t going to land. You simply can’t expect engagement, innovation, or retention from people who are under financial duress.

That’s why 21st Century has partnered with a leading Earned Wage Access (EWA) platform. Together, we’re helping employers evolve how they think about pay—not just as a once-a-month transaction, but as a proactive tool to support employees’ financial health, resilience, and ultimately their productivity.

Earned Wage Access: Reinventing Remuneration

A reputable Earned Wage Access platform enables employees to access a portion of their earned wages before payday, giving them the flexibility to meet essential needs without resorting to expensive debt. Transport, airtime, groceries, and family emergencies are the top reasons employees turn to EWA, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

And here’s the kicker: 79% of employees say they would move to an employer that offers EWA. Employers using the platform have seen a 20% reduction in employee turnover. That’s EVP in action.

Financial Stress is the Enemy of Engagement

Financial anxiety isn’t just a personal problem—it’s a workplace performance killer. Stressed employees are distracted, disengaged, and more likely to call in sick or leave the company altogether.

By giving employees on-demand access to wages they’ve already earned, companies help their people breathe easier, budget better, and plan ahead. It’s not just about “early access”—it’s about unlocking dignity, agency, and peace of mind.

The Real Alternative to Loan Sharks

Too many South Africans fall into the trap of high-interest micro-lenders when unexpected costs pop up mid-month. A reputable Earned Wage Access platform offers a real alternative. There's no interest, no long-term obligation—just safe, affordable access to earned income.

But that’s just the beginning a reputable Earned Wage Access platform also delivers a full suite of financial wellness tools, including:

• Debt rehabilitation programmes for over-indebted employees
• Gamified financial literacy courses through a reputable Earned Wage Access platform
• Money management support designed to shift behaviours, not just provide relief

This isn’t a short-term gimmick—it’s a long-term intervention.

Building a Resilient, Retainable Workforce

Your EVP is only as strong as your employees' capacity to show up and contribute. If they’re battling to make ends meet, all the flexible work policies and Friday baristas in the world won’t matter.

That’s why integrating a reputable Earned Wage Access platform solution into your remuneration strategy is not just a nice-to-have—it’s a strategic imperative. It enhances your EVP, boosts retention, improves productivity, and shows your people that you're serious about their wellbeing.

Remuneration may not win the EVP buzzword contest—but it's the lever that moves everything else. By partnering with a reputable Earned Wage Access platform, 21st Century is helping organisations use that lever smarter, with compassion and impact.

Because when employees are free from financial stress, they’re free to bring their best selves to work.

What makes this solution even more compelling?

For employers, this entire solution comes at zero cost.

So, if you’re serious about building a future-fit EVP and showing genuine care for your employees' financial wellbeing, don’t wait for another engagement survey to tell you there’s a problem.

Reach out to 21st Century today—connect with Craig Raath, Janine O'Riley, or Sive Nodada to start the conversation.

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