Do you know the thing about inflation? You can’t escape it.

Essential tasks like filling your car with petrol or the weekly food shop are now met with caution and maybe even reconsidered. Cold weather is answered with extra layers of clothing and a blanket instead of simply turning on the heating. With rising costs the line between essential and luxury is getting even sharper.

Between February and March, average petrol prices rose by 12.6p a litre, the largest monthly increase since records began in 1990. Energy prices similarly soared: approximately 18 million households on standard tariffs will see an average increase of £700 per year, with energy firms increasing bills by 54%.

Governments aren’t the only ones feeling pressure to do something about it. Forbes reported that more than 40% of companies say workers have asked for higher pay to offset inflation, with 77% saying either employee dissatisfaction over pay or an offer of higher wages at another firm as the leading cause of turnover.

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With millions under pressure to meet their most basic needs, Tesco, the UK’s biggest private employer, joined ALDI, LIDL and Sainsbury’s to fight against rising living costs by increasing staff wages. Similarly, in the company’s biggest pay increase for more than 20 years, BT offered their UK front-line workers a £1,500 pay rise.

Now more than ever, businesses are tasked to make an inclusive environment for their employees. Employee wellbeing should be at the top of the agenda for leaders throughout organisations.

Inflation affects everyone, but has a disproportionate effect on the employees most financially strained – so look out for your colleagues. Their pockets may be a little lighter than you think.