EXCLUSIVE: Hymans Robertson saw take up of its cancer screening programme reach 6% in the first year it was offered to its 750 employees.
The consultancy launched the scheme in 2014 as part of its flexible benefits scheme after it identified a need to introduce a cancer-specific programme.
Steve Moore, head of HR at Hymans Robertson, said: “It is very real for us. We have had a number of employees who have unfortunately had cancer. We wanted, and were keen, to add the benefit as part of flex and our wellbeing offering.
“It showed to our employees of all levels that we care. It is a great benefit and we have had good value from it.”
The organisation now hopes to build on its launch and improve take-up rates following further communications to employees about the business benefits and raising awareness of cancer in the workplace.
Moore said: “For a first time benefit the take up was more than expected in the business, [which] has shown that it has been valued by employees.
“This year we will look to build on that. We already do a lot of communications around this and we will continue to do so.”
Its wellbeing offering also includes private medical insurance for employees and their families, dental insurance, and two health screening options as well as its cancer programme.
As part of its Flex@Hymans package, employees also receive discounted retail vouchers, as well as tax-efficient salary sacrifice arrangements.
It also introduced birthday leave for all employees in 2014 to help highlight the organisation as being a very people-centered workplace.
“It is a very personal touch just like the cancer care programme. We do not add it to annual leave or roll the day over, it is about the here and now and give employees a two-week window to take a day off for their birthday,” said Moore.
“It is about making an organisation for people that [feels like] it is the best job they have ever had. These benefits and being a part of the Sunday Times’ Best 100 Companies to Work For goes someway to showcasing that.”
