All Analysis articles – Page 84

  • Analysis

    How reward professionals should tackle conflicts of interest

    2011-07-31T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... Bending the rules when it comes to benefits is a highly emotive issue and can result in conflicts of interest for reward professionals. Self-interest in a particular perk is not necessarily a bad thing. Reward professionals must not be tempted to let personal ...

  • Analysis

    Flexible benefits for a diverse workforce

    2011-07-31T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... A flex scheme needs to reflect the culture of different groups of staff. An employer must choose the design and communications that best reflect the diversity of the organisation. A flex scheme should include a range of benefits that are attractive to different ...

  • Analysis

    Pilot schemes are a good way to test benefits

    2011-07-31T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… Running a pilot benefit scheme is a good way to find out how it will work, timescales and budgets, what communications are needed, and whether it is right for the workforce. Preparations should include details on expected outcomes, as well as the desired ...

  • Analysis

    Benefits in Singapore

    2011-07-31T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… The increasing use of flexible benefits by employers in Singapore is effective in attracting and retaining talent. Using the segmentation of flex to target different demographics is increasingly in evidence. Extending international staff share schemes for expatriate workers is generally trouble-free ...

  • Analysis

    Planning ahead for an ageing workforce

    2011-07-31T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… Taking a long-term view of the workforce is essential. Reward can play a key role in recruitment, retention and staff development strategies. With people living longer, pensions will have to stretch further, so many people will consider staying in work past ...

  • Analysis

    Are fit notes reducing staff absences?

    2011-07-31T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... The fit note is the first major change to sickness absence certification since 1923. It aims to move away from the idea of whether an employee is simply ill or not, to one of capability, detailing what they are fit for. Better communication ...

  • Analysis

    Does a health risk management strategy pay off?

    2011-07-03T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this...Using health risk management to measure return on investment on health perks is a new idea in the UK.The idea is to invest in health and wellbeing benefits to improve both employees’ health and the cost of benefits provision.Measuring the effects of healthcare benefits, ...

  • Analysis

    Get ready for pension reforms

    2011-07-03T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... Employers should consider reviewing their pensions portfolio to ensure they offer the best possible package. For example, is the pension plan run via a salary sacrifice arrangement? Encourage staff to use tax-efficient benefits, such as childcare vouchers and bikes for work. This could ...

  • Analysis

    Get up to speed on social networking

    2011-07-03T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... In recent months, the use of social networking sites such as Twitter has reached a new level, breaking news such as the death of Osama Bin Laden and the identity of public figures behind super-injunctions. In the workplace, this means staff have more ...

  • Analysis

    Recognition has global differences

    2011-07-03T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this…The recognition awards staff prefer to receive varies across the globe.Employers must determine what type of incentives are appropriate for their diverse workforces.Employers should also consider what language to deliver their scheme in.Logistics such as delivery of incentives and import duties should be measured ...

  • Analysis

    Sipps gain a wider appeal

    2011-07-03T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... Group self-invested personal pension plans (Sipps) are growing in popularity as employers implement schemes to cover an entire workforce. Most second-generation group Sipps have a two-tier structure, with a limited fund choice for most staff anda self-investment option for senior managers and directors. ...

  • Analysis

    Beware legal risks for drivers

    2011-07-01T00:00:01Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… The Corporate Manslaughter Act and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 has not gone away. With cases still workingthrough the system, managers need to be vigilant. Risk assessments, driver training, time-on-the-road protocols and telematics can all be useful tools tomitigate risk and exercise duty of ...

  • Analysis

    Sharesave improves employee engagement

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… Sharesave schemes make suitable workplace savings options for employees of all ages and salary levels, with a minimum monthly savings requirement of £5. After saving for a fixed period of three, five or seven years, employees can choose to take their savings ...

  • Analysis

    Supporting staff during a disaster

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... A disaster, such as the Japanese tsunami, can have huge ramifications for affected employers. Organisations must consider how to rehabilitate traumatised employees in the long term. The immediate aftermath is typically not the best time to introduce new benefits for staff. Raising morale ...

  • Analysis

    Denmark offers pension model

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... Most workplace pensions are defined contribution schemes, which are funded through insurance. Other popular benefits include: private medical insurance, company cars, staff canteens, free newspapers and cut-price computers and mobile phones. Flexible benefits schemes are becoming increasingly common, offered by more than a ...

  • Analysis

    Virgin Media follows Branson mantra

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    Case study: Discounts and extra holiday go down well at Virgin MediaDan Ret is head of revenue assurance at Virgin Media, which means he and his 26-strong team ensure customers are billed only for the services and usage they have received. When Virgin Media was formed in 2007, he moved ...

  • Analysis

    Which benefits should be part of flexible benefits schemes?

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this... Some benefits may work better when offered on a core or voluntary basis rather than in a flexible benefits plan. Factors determining how to offer a benefit include: cost, employee demographics, an employer's objectives in offering the benefit, and how often staff will ...

  • Analysis

    Keeping DC pension members aware of fund investments

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… Employers have no legal obligation to ensure the investments of members in contract-based defined contribution schemes are on target for retirement. But employers should educate staff about the level of contributions required to build a decent fund. Communications should be kept ...

  • Analysis

    How does the Bribery Act affect employers?

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… Reward can be used to drive cultural change, whether it relates to the Bribery Act, an organisation’s carbon footprint, encouraging a high-performance culture, or reducing risk-taking in financial services. Employers need to ensure that their mission statements and values are backed up by ...

  • Analysis

    Mergers & Acquisitions: DB pension liabilities

    2011-06-05T23:00:00Z

    Defined benefit pension liabilities can play a big part in merger talks, says Sarah ColesIn December 2008, a potential merger between Qantas and British Airways collapsed, with BA's £1.7 billion defined benefit (DB) pension liability cited as a major reason. This was perhaps unsurprising, given that BA's pension liabilities were ...