EXCLUSIVE: Hazel Robinson, associate director of HR, head of reward and wellbeing at Brunel University, London, is to address how employers can make the most of their benefits and rewards packages without it costing the earth in a Covid-19 (Coronavirus) ravaged world.
Speaking at Employee Benefits Insights 2021, an online series which runs from 15-19 March 2021, Robinson will explore the changing work environment and shifting employee priorities. She will also suggest practical ways to best utilise existing rewards and benefits packages to create new initiatives.
Brunel’s Wellbeing Champions scheme, which was implemented two years ago as part of its Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy and has more than 20 wellbeing champions, is just one example of an initiative that has extended its reach during the pandemic.
“It only costs our time to network and support these colleagues in delivering the messages,” Robinson told Employee Benefits.
“We are just about to start virtual ‘Chat Cafés’ twice monthly to open the door to more discussions around key wellbeing topics, including carer’s support, mental health, financial wellbeing, heart health, anxiety management and menopause to name just a few.
“Opening the door to talking is the bravest and cheapest opportunity we have to show we care – whether in our role as employers, or simply as a caring colleague. Knowing someone is there to chat to can make the difference of feeling okay in all the challenge of our current world.”
Robinson insisted that wellbeing is both a reward and benefit.
“It has never had so much of the centre stage as it has over the last year,” Robinson added. “Our ways of looking at the reward and benefit landscape needs to keep pace with the changing needs and priorities of our employees, and align with the increasing financial pressures on employers. The take-away will hopefully be some creative ways to keep up engagement without breaking the bank.”
The session will form part of the Employee Benefits Insights 2021 line-up.
The event will explore the latest trends, insights and solutions that provide effective and efficient reward strategies in a Coronavirus climate.
The CPD-accredited online series, which is sponsored by Unmind and Bright Horizons, is free to access and attendees can register to attend here.
