All Analysis articles – Page 101
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Analysis
The globalization of benefits
Multinational companies have a number of local matters to consider when developing a global benefits strategy, says Jenny KeefeThere was a time when Birmingham and Beijing had little in common when it came to employee reward. But the rules have changed in recent years, and an increasing number of employers ...
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Analysis
Reward for graduates in the recession
Graduates may not be in such strong demand during the recession, but the right perks will help attract the best candidates, says Tom WashingtonBeing a student at a time when unemployment is rife may sound like an enviable position to be in - at least for those who have a ...
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Analysis
Benefits for SMEs
Smaller employers may have certain advantages when it comes to introducing benefits, says Katrina McKeeverFour years ago, a small PR firm was set up and attempted to attract key talent from the top agencies. But as it could not compete with the benefits offered by bigger PR companies, it adopted ...
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Analysis
Employers must beware of salary sacrifice pitfalls
Potential tax and national insurance savings make salary sacrifice seem an attractive option, but employers should beware of possible pitfalls, says Amanda WilkinsonImplementing a salary sacrifice arrangement around benefits may seem an attractive option for employers keen to optimise any tax efficiencies available, but there are a number of issues ...
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Analysis
Keeping staff happy when making pay cuts
Pay cuts are rare in the UK, and any organisation thinking of trying to impose one has a legal minefield to negotiate. But the financial pill can be sweetened for employees, says Peta HodgeIf you read nothing else, read this...In principle, a pay cut cannot be imposed without staff consent.If ...
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Analysis
Safeguarding personal employee data must be a priority
Safeguarding personal data about employees must be a priority for employers and their benefits providers, says Amanda WilkinsonData security is an issue that is never far from the headlines and has major ramifications for benefits professionals.Employers, as custodians of employee data that includes bank details, salary and bonus information, email ...
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Analysis
Using flexible benefits to motivate staff in the downturn
As employees struggle with the effects of the recession, a flexible benefits scheme can offer them the opportunity to make savings where they are needed most, says Sarah ColesIf you read nothing else, read this…Flexible benefits schemes are one way of employers offering perks to support staff.Employees can tailor flex, ...
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Analysis
Preparing for pensions auto-enrolment ahead of 2012
Compulsory auto-enrolment of staff into pension plans will not happen until 2012, but there are good reasons why employers should get ahead of the game, says Tom WashingtonIf you read nothing else, read this...It is possible to introduce auto-enrolment for trust-based occupational pension schemes, but not for contract-based schemes, such ...
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Analysis
Creating fair absence management systems
Staff absence can be costly for organisations, and a formal policy is needed to manage the issue, says Sam Barrett. But systems and procedures must be fair to both employer and employeeIf you read nothing else, read this...Absence policies must be fair and reasonable, and take into account both the ...
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Analysis
How tax-efficient perk save money for employers and staff
Salary sacrifice and tax-efficient benefits pay off for both employers and employees by cutting tax and national insurance bills, says Jenny KeefeTax offices are rarely viewed in a positive light. But thanks to a raft of tax breaks and salary sacrifice initiatives, thousands of employers across the UK are slashing ...
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Analysis
Nottingham City Council gets maximum value from salary sacrifice
As the recession bites, Nottingham City Council is working to get maximum value from its salary sacrifice schemes, HR director Ben Browne tells Tom WashingtonIf we are to believe what we read, employers in the public sector are faring better in the financial downturn than many of their private sector ...
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Analysis
New analysis: Salary sacrifice no solution to Budget pension changes
Those who thought they had seen a way round Mr Darling's pension tax relief cuts must think again.Salary sacrifice around pension contributions may not be such a good bet as was first thought after last month's Budget, when Chancellor Alistair Darling said tax relief on pension contributions for high earners ...
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Analysis
Dental perks in the recession
The high cost of dental treatment and a lack of NHS dentists are driving take-up of oral health benefits, but voluntary schemes may not succeed during the recession, says Tom WashingtonAnyone who has visited the dentist and walked away with a huge bill will know just how costly poor oral ...
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Analysis
Stakeholder pension scheme versus personal accounts
As 2012 and personal accounts get ever closer, the debate continues over whether they will have any advantages over stakeholder pension schemes, or vice versa, says Sarah ColesWhen the writers of Groundhog Day were looking for the quintessential annoying individual to pester Bill Murray on the day he was doomed ...
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Analysis
Benefits in Japan
While Japan’s employers seek to cut back on employees, pay and bonuses during the recession, core benefits such as healthcare and pensions are coming under the spotlight, says Tom WashingtonAs the global financial crisis deepens, Japan’s reliance on exports saw its GDP fall by 12.8% between October and December 2008 ...
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Analysis
Human capital management can add value to an organisation
Good human capital management can add real value to an organisation, explains Nicola SullivanThis recession has brought an almost unprecedented interest in the link between an organisation’s financial performance and the way its employees are rewarded and managed. As failed financial institutions have found enough money in the pot for ...
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Analysis
Running voucher-based motivation schemes in a recession
Voucher-based motivation schemes can help to maintain staff morale in difficult economic times but there are pitfalls, says Nicola SullivanThe primary focus of many reward managers in recent months has been on performance bonuses, as they react to criticism that annual incentives drive inappropriate short-term behaviours. The resultant rush to ...
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Analysis
Alternatives to occupational pension schemes
The changing perception of traditional occupational pension schemes is prompting employers to consider offering staff alternative financial benefits to meet their savings needs, says Amanda WilkinsonIf you read nothing else, read this...Employees' savings needs are changing.More flexible savings benefits may be required instead of traditional occupational pension schemes.Alternative savings options ...
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Analysis
Employers have a number of options to offer optical or eyecare benefits
Optical benefits can be valued by staff and employers have a number of options that they can offer to their workforce above and beyond their legal obligations, says Tom WashingtonIf you read nothing else, read this...Employers are required by law to cover the cost of an eye test and glasses ...
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Analysis
Looking after the health of employees posted abroad
If you read nothing else, read this...Insurers monitor the type of treatment that is standard in each country to ensure employees access treatment that is safe and appropriate.To help reduce fraud, insurers check every claim against their claims database and published price lists to ensure that the cost is reasonable ...