Guidance on making investment choices is another important part of any employer-sponsored retirement plan. Nearly one in four survey respondents expressed concern about making investment choices. If a 401(k) plan provider offers investing help, make sure employees are aware of it and can easily take advantage of it. Offering advice on investing within a 401(k) can be a first step in broader investing education.

-- Partner with third party professionals. Professionals in the community -- bankers, lawyers, mortgage brokers, stock brokers -- are often very willing to offer workshops and seminars. Whether it's a formal series of speakers or casual brown-bag lunchtime gatherings, providing access to these professionals can raise employees' awareness of financial options and help them make informed decisions. (Of course, any potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed and explained.)

-- Create a workplace culture that supports financial fitness. This starts with a commitment at the top to encourage managers to learn about financial fitness and reward them for taking action. It can be as simple as making financial concerns a part of employee/manager discussions or as formal as incorporating financial education programs into specific departmental initiatives.

While many employers offer some type of retirement planning advice, to me the need for financial education -- and the opportunity -- extends far beyond this. Today, as financial stresses mount, there's no doubt that both employees and employers are suffering the consequences. The worries that employees have aren't just about what to do in the future, they're about how to pay the bills today. And it's affecting performance. A recent study suggests that up to 80 percent of financially stressed workers spend time during the day dealing with personal problems.

The forward-thinking employer who turns some of that downtime into time devoted to promoting financial fitness will help boost productivity. Employers who actively offer financial fitness programs can play a significant role in helping young people -- and all employees -- make sound financial decisions that will help them throughout their lives. To me, that's not only good for society -- it's good for business.