All Analysis articles – Page 114
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Analysis
Freshening up a flexible benefits plan
Freshening up a flexible benefits plan can often involve as much ingenuity as a launch, says Victoria FurnessComing up with new ways of reviving employee interest in flexible benefits is arguably harder than implementing a scheme in the first place. Obviously, there isn’t the headache of administration or putting in ...
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Analysis
Look for potential savings to fund flexible benefits
Although the cost of flexible benefits is falling year on year, organisations are finding it a challenge to implement schemes on a cost-neutral basis, says Sarah ColesFlexible benefits schemes used to be like the BMXs of the benefits world. Everyone wanted one, everyone lobbied those holding the purse strings for ...
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Analysis
Could salary sacrifice pension arrangements be on the way out?
There is much speculation that the government could pull the plug on salary sacrifice pension arrangements particularly as personal accounts draw nearer, but how likely is this to happen, asks Sonia SpeedyChanging national insurance (NI) thresholds are set to boost the attractiveness of pension schemes offered through salary sacrifice arrangements ...
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Analysis
Employee benefits in the United States of America
The US generally prefers to let the market decide its perks selection, and because of this element of competition a substantial baseline offering is still is needed in the management of talent, says Nic PatonIt is often said that America and England are two countries divided by a common language. ...
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Analysis
Early intervention services offer an alternative to group risk
A number of new services in the healthcare market are aimed at curbing long-term absence, so providing an alternative to group risk perks, says Sam BarrettTraditional group risk benefits such as group life cover and group income protection may have a long history, but new healthcare products and services now ...
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Analysis
What to expect from the Corporate Manslaughter Act
The Corporate Manslaughter Act is set to go live in April 2008, but despite massive penalties, it does not raise the health and safety bar, so those already complying have less to fear, says Jenny KeefeAfter much deliberation, the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 finally received Royal Assent ...
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Analysis
Get a better idea of ad hoc bonuses
Ad hoc bonus schemes that reward staff for ideas or business solutions are not widespread, but if employers want to implement one they must think about scheme design, says Debbie Lovewell.We've all encountered or heard of managers who, faced with the prospect of motivating a team to complete a project ...
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Analysis
Choosing between electronic and paper motivation vouchers
When deciding whether to use paper or electronic motivation vouchers employers must consider a host of issues including discounts, public recognition and theft, says Nick GoldingThere is no question that use of electronic motivation vouchers by employers has become more widespread. Although electronic formats still lag some way behind traditional ...
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Analysis
How to motivate high salaried staff without alienating others
Amid spiralling top-level pay and remuneration, there's much to consider in motivating talent without alienating the rest of the workforce, says Amanda WilkinsonThe impact of globalisation and an ageing population means it will become more difficult to recruit and retain talented staff in a tight labour market. An increasing number ...
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Analysis
Getting staff to give that vital extra bit is key to business success
Engagement expert David MacLeod believes that a competitive advantage can be gained by inspiring the workforce to give that "vital bit extra", explains Kate DonovanThe fashionable line-up at this summer's network of Live Earth concerts, which included The Pussy Cat Dolls, Razorlight and the Black Eyed Peas, not only attracted ...
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Analysis
Phantom share schemes have their uses
Phantom share schemes have uses for both private and publicly-listed companies, says Sonia SpeedyWhile company share plans can be a rewarding way to incentivise staff and improve retention rates, not all businesses can, or wish to, issue shares to employees. But there are ways to gain similar results without issuing ...
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Analysis
Are employers pushing staff to increase pension contributions?
With many employees still failing to save enough for retirement, particularly in contract-based pension plans, employers are often tasked with encouraging higher staff contributions says Debbie LovewellIt's a simple fact: a significant number of employees are not saving enough to adequately fund their retirement. Unfortunately, the solution is not simple. ...
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Analysis
A look at the latest developments in communications technology
Jenny Keefe looks at the latest developments in communications technology and ponders the advantages of podcasts and social networking sitesWhen law firm Allen & Overy banned staff from accessing social networking website Facebook earlier this year, employees were outraged, and the firm was eventually forced to lift the ban.If benefits ...
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Analysis
Innovations in flexible benefits
On-going developments are shaping the future for flexible benefits schemes, says Kate DonovanEven regulars at fine dining establishments where there is a menu of delectable choice can lose interest in what is on offer. Similarly, a wide selection of perks is not always sufficient to maintain the attraction of a ...
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Analysis
International benefits plans should consider local input, tax and legal issues
International benefits strategies must consider local input, and tax and legal issues, says Sarah ColesTraditionally, UK companies setting up offices overseas were like homesick ex-pats, stuffing their suitcases with the delights of home and trying to re-create a little corner of Blighty. But a global benefits strategy that doesn't take ...
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Analysis
How to ensure stressed individuals find benefits to help them
Stress can often be a highly difficult issue for employers to spot, which means that access to discreet and confidential employee programmes can provide a vital lifeline for staff, says Kate DonovanStress can be a slippery fellow. It can't be identified by a hacking cough and it renders bandages superfluous. ...
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Analysis
Benefits data analysis can help make HR strategy more effective
Analysing benefits data can make HR strategy more effective and help provide more relevant benefits communication, says Victoria FurnessOver the past decade, there has been tremendous innovation in how employee benefits are managed. Absence management systems, flexible benefits systems and total reward statements are just a few of the new ...
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Analysis
Affordable healthcare products improve employer options
Healthcare product development means employers can offer more at little extra cost, says Sam BarrettAdvances in medicine, new technology and customer demand have resulted in a flood of new, innovative healthcare products coming on to the market, many of which can bolster an employer's benefits offering.One of the key areas ...
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Analysis
Childcare perks can encourage parents' return to work
Employers can use childcare perks to encourage parents' return to work by easing financial burdens, so boosting retention levels, says Alison ColemanFor any working parent, the task of balancing family life with work obligations can be an expensive and sometimes stressful business. For some employees, it may all become too ...