Analysis
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AnalysisHow to overcome the disconnect between benefits on offer and what staff really want
Source: Shutterstock Need to know: Many employers are seeing a gap emerge between the benefits they offer and what employees actually want. Work-life balance, wellbeing and financial support are especially valued by employees. Employers need to talk to staff, offer them a degree of choice ...
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AnalysisHow to take an inclusive approach to festive celebrations
To support a diverse workforce during the festive season, employers should foster an accepting environment that includes everyone. Providing choice regarding annual leave is key to ensuring all employees’ beliefs and cultural holidays are recognised. Gifts should not be restrictive towards any lifestyles or abilities. ...
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AnalysisWhat impact do charity initiatives have on employee engagement and motivation?
Employers should offer a variety of charity and volunteering initiatives and seek feedback on causes that are close to employees’ hearts. An organisation that is seen to be making a difference in the world can be attractive to current and potential staff. Monitoring participation levels and ...
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AnalysisHow to use major sporting events to engage and motivate staff
Credit: Delpixel / Shutterstock.com Employers should consider what sporting events would most engage their employees and plan initiatives around these. Workplace activities can boost camaraderie and, ultimately, engagement. Any initiatives should be as inclusive as possible for all employees, as well as voluntary. In its ...
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AnalysisDoes a green benefits strategy motivate employees?
Green benefits can include bikes-for-work schemes, discounts on solar panels and rewards for using energy saving items.Employers can create a green agenda to motivate employees to choose more sustainable consumer options.Highlighting green benefits choices as part of an employee value proposition can increase attraction and retention.Research by The Electric Car ...
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AnalysisWhat does a benefits package for seasonal workers look like?
Credit: branislavpudar/shutterstockNeed to know:A strong onboarding and induction programme will help seasonal workers understand their benefits package and feel valued.Benefits should be tailored to the sector and the type of seasonal worker the organisation wants to attract.Introducing seasonal workers to permanent employees and including them in recognition schemes and social ...
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AnalysisHow to introduce an employee recognition scheme
Initially, employers should identify what they want a recognition scheme to achieve.Employers can offer employees public verbal recognition, awards, bonuses, vouchers, stipends and spending accounts.Understanding employees’ preferences and needs, as well as the demographics of a workforce, can help with scheme engagement.Gallup’s September 2023 Empowering workplace culture through recognition study, ...
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AnalysisAre employers truly optimising their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives?
Need to know:Economic constraints, complexities and fears of a potential backlash have driven some organisations to put diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) on the back burner.Line managers have a key role in an organisation’s DE&I strategy but training and role redesign could increase their effectiveness.Benefits are a visible way to ...
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AnalysisWhat will employee motivation look like in 2024?
Credit: Artem Oleshko/ShutterstockNeed to know:Employee motivation strategies need to factor in cost-of-living pressures and the increasing need for personal development.Motivating people to return to the office must be carefully balanced with the motivational aspects of the flexibility of remote and hybrid working.As skill shortages continue, reskilling and upskilling staff, particularly ...
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AnalysisWhat do employees value most at Christmas?
Traditional festive gifts such as hampers and vouchers are still valued by employees, as long as choice and personalisation is also offered.More sustainable and socially conscious gifting options have emerged following increased focus on climate change.Due to the cost-of-living crisis, employees may value financial support to help them prepare for ...
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AnalysisHow a reward strategy can create a culture of success
A fit-for-purpose reward strategy is vital in creating a happy and rewarded workforce that drives productivity and success.Employers should create a reward strategy that allows employees with different lifestyles and needs to work in a way that enables them to thrive.Aligning a reward strategy with organisational objectives can contribute to ...
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AnalysisHow much do employees value CSR initiatives?
Need to know:Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and volunteering can be highly valued by employees and used as an engagement and retention tool.Employers should consult staff to understand what causes matter most to them.Start with low-level commitments before extending these, and seek employee feedback on schemes.In recent years, organisations have ...
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AnalysisHow can employers support working carers through the school holidays?
Need to know:Employees are set to struggle with juggling work and childcare as the annual school summer holidays approach.Employers can help by offering flexible work arrangements, discounted leisure and dining vouchers, and signposting staff to government support.Employers that can be seen to help will benefit from more productive and motivated ...
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AnalysisHow can a benefits proposition support different faiths in the workplace?
Need to know:Employers need to think about ensuring workers from all faiths can thrive if they want to engage and retain talent.Measures that could help might include flexible leave policies for religious festivals, prayer rooms and tolerant dress codes.Benefits professionals will need to ensure they offer suitable pension investments and ...
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AnalysisTeam versus individual recognition in the time of hybrid working
Team and individual recognition schemes may follow some of the same guidelines, but there are key differences when it comes to implementing these successfully.Employers must consider what forms of team and individual recognition work for their culture, and understand how this is changing during the rise of hybrid working.Connectivity and ...
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AnalysisWhat role do share schemes play in the current economic climate?
While share schemes may not solve immediate financial worries, they can help boost long-term financial stability.Aligning staff with shareholders can improve motivation and engagement, reducing absence and turnover at a time when talent is at a premium.Proper communication of both the negatives and positives will help ensure staff get the ...
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AnalysisWhere should employers draw the line with benefits provision?
If employers are not seeing a return on their investment in benefits or schemes are not achieving their desired aims, such as increased employee engagement or retention, then they might be spending too much.Employers should consider whether they are offering benefits to be viewed as an attractive place to work ...
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AnalysisHow to effectively recognise remote workers
Employers should first identify how employees want to be recognised for their efforts so what they offer resonates with them.Regular communication can be an effective way to support remote workers and adjustments should be made for those who raise concerns.Employers should avoid any risk of proximity bias, whereby they provide ...
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AnalysisBuyer’s guide to retail and discount voucher schemes
What are retail and discount voucher schemes?Employee discount voucher schemes come in various forms, all of which aim to provide staff with savings on a range of purchases, from everyday shops to big-ticket items and the latest technology. There are three main types of scheme, which might fall under different ...