Does Earned Wage Access Reduce Turnover?

Turnover isn’t just a human resources metric. In healthcare, it’s a strategic warning sign. It predicts higher costs, lower quality of care, and strained morale throughout your organization. Across hospitals, skilled nursing, home care, and allied health, turnover continues to challenge leaders: Nearly 30% of healthcare staff turnover occurs in the first year of employment. Replacing a registered nurse can cost $33,900 to $58,300 on average. Given these costs, every turnover reduction strategy deserves scrutiny. One financial benefit gaining traction is Earned Wage Access (EWA). Sometimes, it’s called on-demand pay.  But the question remains: Does Earned Wage Access actually reduce turnover? And if so, how? The Root of Turnover Isn’t Always About Pay (It’s About Financial Stress). Healthcare turnover isn’t