All Analysis articles – Page 43
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AnalysisTelent futureproofs its default investment strategy
Futureproofing its default investment strategy against potential legislative change was a key objective for technology services firm Telent. However, when it introduced its current arrangement in 2013, it could not have predicted just how radical the pension reforms that took effect from April 2015 would be. And while built-in flexibility ...
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AnalysisAssessing the limitations of the pensions allowance changes
On 6 April 2016 changes to both the annual and lifetime pensions allowance limits will come into effect. From this date, the annual allowance will be gradually reduced from £40,000 to £10,000 for those earning between £150,000 and £210,000 a year, while the lifetime allowance will reduce from £1.25 million ...
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AnalysisWhat is included in a global wellbeing strategy?
Need to know:Wellbeing is still in its infancy on a global basis, compared to the focus it has among UK employers.Obesity and mental wellbeing are some of the key issues that employers are concerned about.Supporting global employees should ideally be done on a local level, but a basic provision of ...
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AnalysisAre apps increasing the take-up of voluntary benefits?
Need to know:The convenience and functionalities apps bring provide an opportunity to boost employee engagement with voluntary benefits.Good user experience and compelling content can ensure repeated use of an app.For maximum effect, mobile offerings should be strategically integrated into employers’ benefit programmes.In 2015, smartphones surpassed laptops as the most popular ...
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AnalysisWhat impact will retaining the diesel supplement have on company car schemes?
Need to knowThe delayed removal of the 3% diesel supplement on company car tax was announced in November 2015's Autumn Statement.On a fairly standard fleet car, employees face an additional benefit-in-kind tax liability of around £155 per annum, while employers face additional Class 1A national insurance contributions.For many high-mileage company ...
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AnalysisWhere does responsibility lie for choosing the level of cover in death-in-service benefits?
Need to know:Death-in-service benefits should be offered to all employees with a minimum level of cover.Offering life assurance on a flexible basis places responsibility for selecting the level of cover on the employee.Employers need to educate employees about life assurance to boost understanding.Death-in-service benefits, in particular life assurance, are a ...
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AnalysisBuyer’s guide to flexible benefits technology
What is flexible benefits technology?This is a technology system, operating in-house or from cloud-based servers, that provides a platform to deliver a flexible benefits scheme. Increasingly, systems are designed to interface with other elements of benefits and reward, including pensions, and often have interactive and data-modelling tools that can be ...
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AnalysisInfographic: What is the maximum that can be paid tax-efficiently into a pension?
An infographic demonstrating the maximum that can be paid tax-efficiently into a pension in light of the annual allowance.Read more about how the changes to lifetime and annual allowances will affect higher earners.
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AnalysisHow will the changes to the lifetime and annual allowances affect higher earners?
Need to know:The lifetime allowance for pension contributions will be reduced from £1.25 million to £1 million from 6 April 2016.From April 2016, those earning between £150,000 and £210,000 a year will face a tapered annual allowance for tax relief from £40,000 to £10,000.Communication can be used to ensure that ...
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AnalysisInfographic: What is employers' policy for travellers in an emergency?
An infographic about employers' policies for travellers in an emergency. (Source: Forum for Expatriate Management's Policy in practice 2015: business travellers report, published in February 2015).Read more about how to support a global workforce during times of crisis.
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AnalysisHow to support a global workforce during times of crisis
Need to know:Travel insurance and international private medical insurance may offer support in the event of a terrorist attack but some schemes may exclude terrorism.An employee assistance programme can be a valuable resource, especially in the aftermath of a crisis.Specialist security and crisis management advice may be offered by insurers ...
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AnalysisHow to offer a share scheme internationally
Need to know:Any employer looking to roll out a share scheme internationally will need to conduct a thorough analysis and overview of the legal and tax regulations of the country it is looking to expand into.Some countries may have a more advanced savings culture than others or different economic ...
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AnalysisInfographic: Would you take action based on the results of a genetic test?
An infographic examining whether individuals would take action based on their genetic risk of hereditary disease based on the results of a genetic test. (Source: US-based Invitae's Genetic risk awareness study, published in September 2015).Read more in: Does genetic testing have a place in a healthcare and wellbeing strategy?
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AnalysisDoes genetic testing have a place in a healthcare and wellbeing strategy?
Need to know:Testing programmes can range from genetic tests for increased cancer or cardiac risk to analysis of gene variants associated with fitness and nutrition response.Robust confidentiality parameters should be established alongside access to emotional and physical support.Effective education and communication can help dispel misconceptions and enable individuals to make ...
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AnalysisHow can behavioural science engage employees with workplace savings?
Need to know:Small changes can make a big difference when it comes to engaging employees with workplace savings schemes.Behavioural science is all about working with people’s natural habits, instead of against them.Left alone, savers can struggle to imagine their future selves. There are many smart ways to help them overcome ...
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AnalysisGetting the balance right in a technology-dominated world
Need to know:An employer could draw up technology etiquette covering areas such as the time emails can be sent and when employees can log on to help create a healthy work-life balance.Employers could use a variety of communication methods, including more traditional presentations, desk drops and brochures alongside benefits portals ...
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AnalysisInfographic: How does technology influence working hours?
An infographic outlining the influence of technology on employees' working hours. (Source: Chartered Management Institute's The quality of working life report, January 2016).Read more about getting the balance right in a technology-dominated world.
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AnalysisWhat does a motivation strategy for a future workforce look like?
Need to know:Changes in society and legislation mean the traditional workforce is changing.Flexible working and health and wellbeing benefits will increase in prominence.Benefits schemes can help by giving employees greater choice.With changing demographics, the abolition of the default retirement age and the rise of flexible working, the world of work ...
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AnalysisBuyer’s guide to employee assistance programmes
The factsWhat are employee assistance programmes (EAPs)?An EAP provides confidential information, support and counselling to staff with personal or work-related issues. The service is available around the clock by telephone or online. A comprehensive EAP also provides access to face-to-face counselling if necessary. An EAP can also support an employer. ...
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AnalysisBack to basics on lifestyle strategies
Need to know:Lifestyle funds gradually move an employee away from high-risk, high-return assets into lower-risk, lower-return assets as they approach retirement.Following the introduction of the pension freedoms, fewer people are buying an annuity, which raises the question of whether lifestyle funds are an appropriate default strategy.With the introduction of the ...