DHL Express is to launch a total reward package for its 13,000 employees early next year.

The move, which began with the launch of a voluntary benefits scheme in September, will continue with the introduction of total reward statements in January, followed by a flexible benefits scheme in February. Employees' choice of perks will then come into effect from April.

Collectively branded 'You Drive', the total reward scheme is divided into four main areas: your money, your health, your career and just you. Each includes a mixture of core, flexible and voluntary benefits.

Craig Truter, reward and recognition manager, said that the strategy was intended to help improve recruitment and retention. "We wanted to improve the position of pay and benefits in the marketplace. We're operating in a highly-competitive environment. This is one way of helping the business to retain the people we want to keep [in it]," he said.

He added that it was also about giving staff more flexibility in their benefits package, while providing them with more information about what they receive. "In the past, the only time people had visibility around their benefits was when they joined," he said.

Bringing benefits together under one brand was also considered to project a friendlier and more fun approach to perks.

Feedback from employee focus groups held over the past 12 months was used to structure the scheme. "I'd rather we let people guide us in what they want around pay and benefits," said Truter.