DHL Logistics is relaunching its voluntary benefits scheme for its 40,000 UK staff following a corporate rebranding exercise. The transport and logistics firm is a new division of holding company and owner of the DHL brand, Deutsche Post World Net, which acquired Exel Logistics and rebranded it DHL Logistics last year. The firm has also switched suppliers from Personal Group to AIG Benefits, which it felt offered good value for money. Gary Piper, head of compensation and benefits UK at DHL Logistics, explained: "Our research showed us that the voluntary personal accident and hospitalisation cover they offer is very good value for money."
The only benefit to be removed from the scheme was theatre vouchers, which has been swapped for cut-price bowling. Piper added the change has been well-received by staff. The new scheme is being communicated using a benefits book rather than an online portal, because this was considered more appropriate for employees such as lorry drivers who are unlikely to have day-to-day access to the internet. So far, around 35% of staff have taken up a voluntary benefit. "[The benefits book] is a way of promoting the [voluntary benefits scheme] as well as the things we do ourselves, so it was a good way for us to get the messages out there," added Piper.