Although this growth has been positive for the business, Anne Binnie, HR and compliance director at Chess, recognises that this changing environment, coupled with the tough economic climate, makes it even more important to provide a healthy workplace.
“We believe keeping our employees fit and well is an important contributory factor to our success,” she says. “Where staff come to us through acquisitions, it can be a time of uncertainty for them. We make sure they understand what we offer and how our health and wellbeing strategy supports them.”
Chess’s health and wellbeing strategy includes a variety of benefi ts, including massages, walking and running clubs, a bikes-for-work scheme, free flu jabs, organic fruit and support with smoking cessation.
Health insurance benefits include private medical insurance, dental insurance and a health cash plan. The cash plan, provided by Medicash, is particularly good at supporting employees, says Binnie. “It includes an employee assistance programme with face-to-face counselling where necessary, and also great benefits such as dental and health screening to keep our employees healthy.”
