The Scarlet Pearl Casino Resort in D’Iberville, Mississippi, is fighting the exorbitant rates associated with “payday loan” providers. According to a release from the property, in reviewing applications for its Sunshine Fund, which helps employees in times of financial or personal need, Scarlet Pearl leaders realized several employees were targeted by high-interest lenders.
To safeguard those workers from predatory lenders, the Mississippi casino is implementing UKG Wallet, a financial wellness mobile application from UKG, to provide employees immediate access to a portion of their already earned but unpaid wages.
“Despite offering the highest casino wages in the market, we found several Scarlet Pearl associates used high-interest lenders to bridge the gap between paychecks, forcing some deeper into debt,” said Scarlet Pearl CEO LuAnn Pappas. “This service allows our employees to get the money they earned and find greater financial freedom.”
UKG Wallet is a financial wellness and earned wage access tool that organizations can offer their employees when they use UKG flagship solutions, including UKG Pro, UKG Dimensions, or UKG Ready
(utilized by Scarlet Pearl). In addition to accessing a portion of employee wages before pay day to cover unexpected or emergency expenses, through UKG Wallet Scarlet Pearl will also empower people with budgeting tools, educational resources, and financial counseling.
By complementing traditional earned wage access with an emphasis on financial literacy and planning, employers can provide an innovative financial wellness benefit that can help alleviate financial stress.
“Our Scarlet Pearl associates are the cornerstone in delivering the great service our guests expect,” said Pappas. “By ensuring our team keeps their money in their pocket, we ensure happier employees who create happier customers.”
UKG is a leading provider of HR, payroll and workforce management solutions.
