All Analysis articles – Page 128
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Analysis
Healthcare: Cross-continent contingency
Like SARS before it, the avian flu outbreak has left many organisations pondering the consequences of possible pandemic threats, says Kirstie RedfordIf you read nothing else, read this ...A pandemic of avian flu in humans could cause absence rates of 20%-60%.Quarantine measures could make repatriation impossible and force staff to ...
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Analysis
Employees barter for better benefits
Opening up negotiations to some elements of the perks package can help employers to clinch key staff, but its impact on the rest of the workforce should not be overlooked and overall flexibility can benefit all, says Victoria FurnessCase study: MourantArticle in fullFamous for a stiff upper lip and ability ...
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Analysis
Shift workers place health alongside pay
When determining how to reward shift workers, studies show that health concerns are just as valid as pay issues, says Laverne HadawayCase study: NestleArticle in fullFor industries that operate around the clock, such as food manufacturing, shift work is simply an inevitable part of day-to-day life. Neil Millan, head of ...
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Analysis
Demographic time-bomb affects pension planning
Lord Turner's vision includes people working longer, retiring later, saving more and receiving better pensions. I agree with him on all of this. What he proposes is radical enough.The state will concentrate on keeping pensioners out of poverty. It will stop bothering to provide salary-related pensions as it does via ...
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Analysis
Feature - Special report on Pensions: Late breaking A-day laws govern unintentional benefits
A-day may have been and gone, but employers will still have tasks to consider when it comes to pensions reform, says Ceri Jones.Article in fullEmployers have put in a great deal of painstaking work in preparation for A-day (6 April), but much is still incomplete as the final regulations were ...
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Analysis
Special report: Pensions – Educating staff about investment options
Understanding investment options can be key when explaining these to staff to ensure they don't simply play overly safe and plump for default funds, says Ceri JonesArticle in fullDefined contribution (DC) pension schemes are sometimes seen as a simple pensions option, but there is nothing straightforward about the decisions an ...
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Analysis
Worksite financial marketing
Many employers now allow financial firms to promote their products through the workplace, but does this really net the best deals for staff, asks Kirstie RedfordCase studies: Shoosmiths, Hammonds DirectArticle in fullNot every organisation can afford to provide a five-star suite of employer-paid benefits. However, simple economies of scale mean ...
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Analysis
Feature - Focus on cars: Choice an incentive for company car drivers
Contract hire deals for company cars offer duty of care protection, but does the choice of marques compare to the freedom of cash allowances, asks Jamin RobertsonIf you read nothing else, read this ...Duty of care obligations have encouraged some organisations to opt for the control of company cars over ...
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Analysis
Take a holistic approach to financial education
Simple measures like tailoring financial education or advice to financial trigger points can heighten employees' awareness of their situation, and employers have every hope of gaining long-term buy-in to the perk, says Sam BarrettCase study: United UtilitiesArticle in fullWith financial products becoming increasingly important, but ever more complex, offering staff ...
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Analysis
Employee Benefits Financial Education supplement 2006: Interview
Jenny Keefe talks to Jim Dredge, programme director for the workplace arm of the Financial Services Authority's Financial Capability SchemeArticle in fullLet's be frank: most people find personal finance about as stimulating as a week in solitary confinement. Yet Jim Dredge, programme director for the workplace arm of the Financial ...
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Analysis
Special report on salary sacrifice
In this first feature of this three-part special report, Alison Coleman explains how offering non-tax efficient perks through salary deduction has become an increasingly attractive option for employeesArticle in fullOffering non-tax efficient benefits through salary deduction is becoming increasingly commonplace, particularly through flexible benefits schemes where a wide range of ...
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Analysis
Organisation-wide recognition schemes hit target
Diminishing line manager involvement and opening up an organisation-wide peer recognition awards process can help to boost employee morale, says Vicki TaylorIf you read nothing else, read this ...Ensure the company culture is right before introducing a scheme.Create systems to avoid joke nominations.Get everyone involved from the chairman to the ...
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Analysis
Religious equality
Religious discrimination laws mean catering for different religions goes farther than the canteen, says Vicki TaylorCase studies: Speak Out, B&QArticle in fullSince the Employment Equality (Religion and Belief) Regulations came into force on 2 December 2003 it has been unlawful to discriminate against anyone because of their religion or beliefs.But ...
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Analysis
Guest opinion - Tackling discrimination widens talent pool
Tackling discrimination means obvious economic rewards for individuals by closing the pay gap and blatant benefits for employers in helping to fill obvious skills shortage across the UK economyArticle in fullThe Women and Work Commission (WWC) has made clear the economic rewards of closing the pay gap, namely, that we ...
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Analysis
Feature - Focus on healthcare: Staff demand dental fill ins
This month's revamp to the NHS's 50-year-old charging structure may force the remaining public health dentists over to the private sector, says Nick GoldingIf you read nothing else, read this ...On 1 April 2006, a new government contract was introduced that will also affect the charging structure for National Health ...
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Analysis
Feature - Focus on pensions: Default funds set goalposts
Vanilla default funds can smooth tricky pension problems, says Sonia SpeedyIf you read nothing else, read this …Almost 90% of group personal pension and stakeholder scheme members end up in the default fund at some point.A default fund will never meet everyone’s needs all of the time.If well thought out, ...
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Analysis
Guest opinion - Flex delivers choice, fairness and clarity
Flexible benefits takes a sustained effort but it can help improve the wellbeing of an organisation, and also has a role to play in fusing benefits packages following a mergerArticle in fullThe role of government body Adult Learning Inspectorate (ALI) is to raise standards of education and training for young ...
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Analysis
Buyer's Guide to healthcare cash plans
Aggressive cash plan marketing is symbolic of its refusal to accept a role as private medical insurance’s poorer cousin, says Stephanie SpicerArticle in fullBusiness in the healthcare cash plan market is increasingly focused on the corporate sector as employers and individuals look to these products as a cheaper alternative to ...
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Analysis
Benefits in Poland
The war for eastern European talent is so intense that Poland’s business owners are using perks in an active attempt to help limit the skills exodus, says Clarissa DannIf you read nothing else, read this …Poland has the highest social security tax in Western Europe.But state health and pension provision ...
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Analysis
A look to Hollywood for benefits lessons
Jenny Keefe looks to Tinseltown and discovers that benefits managers could learn a trick or two from big screen blockbustersArticle in fullCops, cowboys, geishas and western singers: all are occupations that have recently been given the big-screen treatment. Even IT managers have recently been the focus of a Channel 4 ...