Inchcape Retail is using Facebook to communicate its voluntary benefits plan, Inchcape Employee Advantages Scheme, to its 5,600 employees.

The automotive distributor and retailer is using the social networking site after an employee benefits survey indicated staff would respond positively to it. The firm also ran a series of focus groups with staff to test its appeal.

Rachel Begg, HR administrator, said: “Facebook offers a great opportunity to communicate benefits in a way that helps increase staff engagement. The offers and savings available generate excitement among employees, so it is great to have a forum through which they can share their experiences.”

Through the Facebook page, Inchcape staff receive regular updates on new retailers, offers and competitions, and can see peer recommendations and discussions about the scheme, which is provided by Asperity Employee Benefits.

The page went live in March and has so far gained 140 friends through word of mouth. Inchcape will begin promoting the scheme to staff this month.

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