Sarah Barnes, the council's human resources manager, believes it is pointless spending out large sums of money on perks if employees don't use them.

"We recently produced our first personalised annual benefits statement for staff, which outlined the range of benefits of working for the council," she says.

The statements set out workers' final salary pension scheme, long-service payments and holiday. They also allow HR to refresh employees' memories of the available flexible working options, travel loans and childcare provision. "The statements were an excellent way to remind staff of both the financial and non-financial benefits available. We aim to be regarded as an employer of choice in the local area and providing an attractive pay and benefits package can help us recruit and retain staff," says Barnes.

Topics