All Analysis articles – Page 127
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Analysis
Feature - Focus on pensions: Conflict of interest sees FD trustees flee
Finance directors, who serve as trustees find themselves in a position of conflict when it comes to negotiating reductions in pension deficits, says Jamin RobertsonIf you read nothing else, read this ...Some finance directors have opted out of serving as pension scheme trustees due to conflicts of interest.These have arisen ...
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Analysis
Buying cross-border medical cover
When buying cross-border medical cover, consider the length of trip and whether exclusions can be safely made, and always aim to buy in bulk, says Vicki TaylorIf you read nothing else, read this ...Business travel policies should provide adequate health cover for staff making short work trips. Employers should read ...
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Analysis
Technology aids uptake of benefits
Changes in technology have helped employees to understand the value of the benefits they have in a learning window of their own choosing, says Nick GoldingCase study: 3UKArticle in fullAlthough internal communication has always been a key factor behind any organisation's success, there have been some dramatic changes of late ...
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Analysis
Accreditation schemes
Nick Golding questions whether the number of accreditation schemes and polls is diluting the overall value for featured organisationsCase studies: Nationwide Building Society, Compass Group Article in fullHanging out at restaurants like The Ivy or going to film premieres are guaranteed ways for celebrities to raise their profile, because in ...
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Analysis
Employee Benefits Communication Supplement 2006: Branding boosts benefits buzz
Creating strong, internally marketed benefits brands seems to give perks better visibility and increased recognition among staff, it may also help to instill a specific set of values, says Nick GoldingCase study: ElanArticle in fullA common misconception often held by employers is that just purchasing the finest benefits around will ...
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Analysis
Employee Benefits Communication Supplement 2006: Education is key to making perks more attractive
Seminars, one-to-one question and answer sessions, and interactive online methods are some of the financial tools being used by employers to increase the impact of their benefits, says Vicki TaylorCase study: Capita GroupArticle in fullWhen it comes to informing employees about their financial benefits, many employers simply present their staff ...
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Analysis
Cars to cash switch drives up insurance?
Even the safest drivers may be robbed of a no-claims bonus history when they switch from a company car to a cash allowance scheme, says Nick GoldingIf you read nothing else, read this ...Switching from a company car to a cash allowance scheme can impact on an employee's insurance premiums.A ...
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Analysis
Focus on pensions: Bulk annuity market stirs up
As employers seem evermore ready to lighten their balance sheets of heavy final salary liabilities, rescuers assemble in the defined benefit buyout market, says Vicki TaylorIf you read nothing else, read this ...The dominance of the bulk annuity market by providers Legal & General and Prudential looks set to be ...
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Analysis
Well aimed share schemes hit target
Share plans can produce all manner of targeted impact, geared towards both general workers and high flyers, says Jenny KeefeCase study: United UtilitiesArticle in fullThe first rule of employee share schemes is: staff should only gamble what they can afford to lose. While sharesave schemes offer a relatively safe bet ...
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Analysis
Benefits strategy calms waters after international takeovers
Using benefits strategically can help to create harmony in an organisation after it has been taken over by an international firm, says Jenny KeefeCase Study: Banco Santander CentralArticle in fullUK businesses are going under the hammer with international firms acquiring these assets at a rapid rate. Already this year, French ...
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Analysis
HCI bombshell affects salary sacrifice savings
The Budget's HCI bombshell has left many questioning whether employers should rely on funding gained from such tax savings, says Debbie LovewellCase Study: Rushcliffe Borough CouncilArticle in fullFor some employers, the removal of the home computing initiative (HCI) in this April's Budget announcement meant a lot more than merely losing ...
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Analysis
Feature - focus on healthcare: Activity up, absence down
A more active workforce can lead to fewer lost output days but also a happier and less stressed organisation, Nick Golding looks at successfully managing the processIf you read nothing else, read this ...Simple exercises such as stretching and diverting eyes from a computer screen can help reduce stress and ...
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Analysis
Employee Benefits Voluntary Benefits Supplement 2006: For successful schemes just add value
Despite their use in helping to promote the core organisational culture, voluntary benefits schemes must represent good value otherwise they will fail to win take-up, says Alison ColemanCase studies: Neal's Yard Remedies, John Lewis PartnershipArticle in full Employee benefits are said to work best when they reflect an organisation's values. ...
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Analysis
Feature - Focus on cars: Early action on smoking in cars advocated
Future legislation could make smoking in some company vehicles illegal, so experts are advocating early action to stop the situation becoming a drag, says Nick GoldingIf you read nothing else, read this ...The final details of the Health Bill, are to be approved in July 2006, outlining future English and ...
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Analysis
Feature - Special report Pensions: Tailoring pension messages works well
Today there is a much greater appreciation of tailoring pensions messages, says Ceri JonesCase study: Gap, Airbus DeutschlandArticle in fullEmployees will save more into a pension plan if they are regularly reminded it is there. Astonishingly, Age Concern's To save or not to save: workers' pensions and provision for retirement, ...
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Analysis
Rising income protection premiums force employers' hands
Rising premiums are forcing employers to revamp the terms of group income protection plans, with some new policies limiting payout duration, says Edmund TirbuttIf you read nothing else, read this...Rising group income protection premiums have resulted in efforts to reduce benefit promises and control claims.Popular ways of tweaking benefits have ...
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Analysis
Employers urged to help educate older employees on pensions options
Pension reforms in European Union member states encourage later and more flexible retirement, and the combination of pensions with salary. Policy makers and the European Commission have also realised that increasing the participation rate of older workers is crucial in implementing these reforms and to finding real solutions to the ...
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Analysis
Effective HR strategy requires dialogue with finance
Human Resources' interplay with finance chiefs needs delicate execution and it pays to understand each others' priorities, says Debbie LovewellCase studies: Oracle, The Rank GroupArticle in full“It's good to have money and the things that money can buy, but it's good too to check up once in a while and ...
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Analysis
Feature - Focus on pensions: Salary sacrifice threat defused
Sonia Speedy finds it unlikely that the government plans to mount a full-frontal assault on limiting pension schemes offered through salary sacrifice arrangementsArticle in fullFears have arisen that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) may be gearing up for a crackdown on smart or salary sacrifice pension schemes to claw back ...
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Analysis
Workplace drinking couples risk with reward
Nick Golding questions whether the merits of alcohol-based team building and social incentives outweigh the potential risks of drinkingCase Study: Bacardi-MartiniArticle in fullEmployers are undeniably becoming more health conscious on behalf of their employees. Healthcare benefits are among some of the most popular perks around with 62% of employers providing ...