Noble Foods has switched its flexible benefits scheme to a new software platform and relaunched the plan to its 450 staff, after its existing provider struggled to handle the package’s complexities.
The egg supplier has also removed some of the less popular options from the scheme and implemented a new communication strategy.
As Noble has grown through acquisitions, it has built up a number of legacy benefits that needed to sit within its flex system, including several kinds of pension. It therefore needed to tailor its software to include specific rules, such as ensuring pension contributions could not fall below a certain level.
A further challenge was that some staff did not have access to a computer, so needed to be able to enrol using paper forms. The new system requires HR to input data from the forms in-house, and has also brought broader administration in-house.
Noble’s previous provider had had difficulties producing accurate data and management reporting. Selections made through the technology were not always reflected in the package, and were subject to variations, according to consultancy Bluefin, which was appointed to manage the project and was responsible for selecting a new provider, Staffcare.
The new system was implemented at the scheme’s annual renewal. Benefits removed this year include health screening and healthcare cash plans.
Noble achieved a 3% increase in take-up following communication around the scheme’s renewal, which comprised emails, credit-card-sized booklets about the benefits and the advantages of taking them up, presentations, and some one-to-one sessions. This compares with decreases in previous years.