Sam Barrett
Sam Barrett is an award winning freelance journalist, specialising in health and wellbeing, protection and personal finance. She has more than 25 years' experience and enjoys cycling, running and travel in her free time.
AnalysisWhat are the key trends in healthcare benefits around the globe?
Healthcare benefits require local adaptation, with employers needing to consider state provision, cultural attitudes and regional health risks.
Case StudiesPareto Group navigates global employee health benefits expansion challenges
Multinational facilities management firm Pareto Group faced significant challenges rolling out health benefits to employees across six countries.
AnalysisHow can employers align practices with employees’ expectations around work-life balance?
Offering work-life balance improves attraction and retention rates, and makes employees happier, more productive and less likely to take time off sick.
Case StudiesWaggel’s benefits policy helps staff to balance work and life priorities
The pet insurer is aiming to disrupt the working week with benefits that promote work-life balance and support flexible working.
AnalysisWhich benefits do employees move jobs for?
Pay remains important to employees but, with some happy to leave for better benefits and the same pay, a strong benefits proposition is essential.
Case StudiesOneFamily enhances benefits to support its employee value proposition
The employer has updated its policies to better demonstrate its values.
AnalysisWhat is diversity, equity and inclusion?
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) recognises that every employee brings different qualities and characteristics to the workplace
AnalysisWhat is salary sacrifice?
A salary sacrifice scheme is a tax-efficient way to allow an employee to exchange some of their pay for a benefit such as a pension contribution, bicycle or an electric vehicle.
AnalysisHow can employers support employees’ financial wellbeing?
Financial wellbeing is all about feeling secure and in control of money, whether that is understanding the basics of budgeting; building a savings pot to provide a safety net; or knowing how to pick the optimum investment portfolio for a pension.
AnalysisHow can voluntary benefits schemes compete with other online discount sites?
With competition from other online discount sites, employers need to ensure their voluntary benefits schemes stand out.
Case StudiesSt. James’s Place ensures its voluntary benefits scheme offers valuable discounts
St. James’s Place offers a range of voluntary benefits to meet the needs of its diverse workforce.
AnalysisManaging the reward and benefit needs of five generations
Employers need to understand the generational differences that can affect their reward and benefits strategy.
Case StudiesDHL Supply Chain evolves benefits in line with shifting employee demographics
DHL Supply Chain ensures its reward and benefits package appeals to employees of all ages.
AnalysisCan employers do more to fill the gaps in healthcare provision?
To help keep workforces healthy and productive, employers are stepping in to fill the gaps in healthcare provision.
Case StudiesJisc offers enhanced healthcare benefits to staff
Jisc ensures its benefits are valued and meet the diverse needs of its workforce.
AnalysisWhat are the latest trends in global reward?
Health benefits and pensions are in demand around the world as ageing populations put pressure on state systems.
Case StudiesEricsson’s global benefits strategy considers cultural differences
Ericsson’s global strategy sets out its objectives and core minimum benefits, and it has local arrangements in place to reflect cultural differences.
AnalysisWhat can employers do to help reduce long-term sickness absence?
Robust absence management systems and line managers trained to support employee health are essential frontline defences in tackling long-term absence.
Case StudiesArqiva prioritises employee health with dedicated wellbeing strategy
Arqiva introduced a wellbeing strategy in 2013 and recruited a dedicated wellbeing person to run it.
AnalysisHow do international tensions impact organisations, their employees and their reward strategies in 2025?
Rising geopolitical pressures are shaping the way organisations operate, affecting everything from supply chains and sales to reward and benefits strategies.