All Analysis articles – Page 133

  • Analysis

    Drinks sector offers share schemes and flex

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Relaxing with a drink after work is unlikely to cost drinks sector workers a penny. But Neil Merrick also uncovers share schemes and flexible benefits among the brewery giantsCase Studies: SA Brain, Bacardi-MartiniArticle in fullAlcohol is never far from people's minds when they work for breweries, distillers and alcoholic drinks ...

  • Analysis

    Case histories: employee share schemes

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Debi O’Donovan and Matthew Stibbe look at the share scheme case histories of three firms and analyse their ability to influence the workforceArticle in fullRunning share schemes for staff may have lost some of the shine they had back in the heady days of the dotcom boom. Cast your mind ...

  • Analysis

    Calculating the pay budget

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    New technology is helping to cut through the drudge of pay budgeting, says David ShonfieldCase Study: Britannia Building SocietyArticle in fullFor many years, determining a pay budget and communicating it to line managers has been one of the most laborious tasks for a reward manager. It is also the one ...

  • Analysis

    Benefits in Italy

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this ...Take up of pensions is just 20% in Italy, and state pensions have been cut back. Italian employers pay employees a mandatory cash benefit when leaving the company.From 1 January 2006, this money will automatically go into a pension pot unless the employee ...

  • Analysis

    Benefits managers: Off the record

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Jamin Robertson chats frankly to insiders about the real activities of the benefits industry.Article in fullThe image of a buttoned-down compensation and benefits professional, well-versed on complex administration requirements, is torn apart in this off-the-record account of benefits managers. Some, it appears, are not as clean-cut as they would have ...

  • Analysis

    Share plans: Interview with professor Andrew Pendleton, University of York

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Share schemes may support wider social issues such as giving staff a savings discipline and can be used to reinforce performance for wider HR ends, but University of York professor Andrew Pendleton warns against unrealistic expectations of overnight, says Debbie LovewellArticle in fullEmployee share plans are a little like air ...

  • Analysis

    Alternatives to traditional share schemes

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Amanda Wilkinson finds pseudo equity and cash plans the primary drivers for organisations unable or unwilling to use shares.Case Study: ReutersArticle in fullTraditional share schemes may act as useful tools to foster employee loyalty and to align performance with shareholder values, but for some employers they are not an option.Employers ...

  • Analysis

    Staff social clubs can aid performance

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Rachel Gordon turns her attention to subsidised social clubs, which while a little outmoded can be made to pay their way, as organisations seek to bring staff togetherIf you read nothing else, read this ...Organised social and sporting events can improve performance.Management and HR buy-in is important, both for funding ...

  • Analysis

    Options for executive pensions post A-day

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Next April’s £1.5m pensions cap has put the spotlight on how executives top up their pensions, Sue Ward picks through the most tax-efficient alternativesArticle in fullWith the new pensions tax regime coming into force in April 2006, the rules for unapproved arrangements for highly-paid executives will be replaced by those ...

  • Analysis

    Investing in individual savings accounts (ISAs)

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this...With a pension scheme, tax benefits are obtained at the start, while with an individual savings account (Isa) the tax benefit is on the money generated by investments.An employees' tax position will influence whether or not saving into an Isa, a pension scheme or ...

  • Analysis

    Accounting standards for share plans

    2005-09-30T23:00:00Z

    Matthew Stibbe discovers the potential stream of companies turning away from option-based schemes in the wake of new accounting rules is currently just a trickle.Article in fullNew guidelines for the treatment of share-based payments, including employee share schemes, were published by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) in February last ...

  • Analysis

    Effective staff repatriation

    2005-09-01T00:00:01Z

    Organisations often have staff scattered to the four winds, so Peter White asks how HR can pre-empt employees’ needs to help them feel safe and secure when awayIf you read nothing else, read this …Managing an employee’s purchasing power, either through cost of living allowances or exchange rate mechanisms, is ...

  • Analysis

    Feature - Focus on Cars: Car theft costs

    2005-09-01T00:00:01Z

    Car vandalism, break-ins and theft blight the UK, but Peter White questions the readiness of company car drivers to react to car crimeIf you read nothing else, read this ....Ensure drivers close and lock all car doors, close windows and hide any valuable possessions in the boot.Employers would do well ...

  • Analysis

    Liberating HR with self-service systems

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    Many in HR are realising the liberating effects of allowing staff to access systems, freeing up time for more strategic pursuits, says Kirstie RedfordCase study: RDF MediaArticle in fullHR departments are constantly being told to be more strategic. At the same time, they are expected to deal with the basic ...

  • Analysis

    How to retain talented PA staff

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    Often with responsibilities to match their bosses, part of the solution to keeping PAs lies in developing talent, says Jenny KeefeArticle in fullCase Study - Heritage Lottery FundIn the days of yore, young women took typing so they would have a fallback skill while they waited for Mr Right to ...

  • Analysis

    Feature - Focus on Motivation: How to motivate older staff

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    When wanting to attract older workers, never underestimate the power of flexible working conditions, nor the value of a simple "thank you", says Jamin RobertsonArticle in fullIf you read nothing else, read this ...A number of large organisations are targeting older workers for their experience and skills, often by offering ...

  • Analysis

    Feature - Focus on Pensions: The debate over Sipp and GPP

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    The burgeoning culture of financial self-direction is no better illustrated than by the debate raging between the cost-orientated Sipp and the GPP, says Ceri JonesArticle in fullIf you read nothing else, read this…The cost of self-invested personal pensions (Sipps) is falling into line with group personal pensions (GPPs).Publicity around residential ...

  • Analysis

    Feature - Cover Story: The potential talent of older workers

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    Amid the scores of workers that either don't want to retire and those that can't afford to is a vast talent pool waiting to be tapped, says Debbie LovewellArticle in fullCase Studies: The London and Quadrant Housing Trust, Wokingham District CouncilCelebrities are notorious for constantly changing their minds. Just think ...

  • Analysis

    Feature - Focus on Healthcare: The risks of low cost PMI

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    One way of limiting medical insurance costs is to look at the cover and see what you might do without, but opting-out can have dire consequences, says Sam BarrettIf you read nothing else, read this ...Consider ongoing claims that might not be covered if employers move to a plan with ...

  • Analysis

    Guest opinion - Mark Childs, director of Total Reward Solutions

    2005-08-31T23:00:00Z

    Mark Childs, director of Total Reward Solutions, looks at paternalism in the workplace.Article in fullIt has become commonplace to criticise or apologise for benefit plans which are underpinned by a paternalistic philosophy. This is understandable in a culture which increasingly emphasises individual responsibility. Furthermore, it is difficult not to sympathise ...