All articles by Jennifer Paterson – Page 130

  • Article

    Microsoft and Google among best multinational workplaces

    2011-10-31T11:08:00Z

    Microsoft, Google and Fedex Express are among the Top 25 World’s best multinational workplaces list, compiled by the Great Place to Work Institute.Microsoft topped the list at number one, followed by SAS, Net App, Google and Fedex Express. Cisco, Marriott, McDonald’s, Kimberly-Clark and SC Johnson rounded off the top 10.Seven ...

  • Article

    Strengths Partnership extends psychometric testing product to US

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Strengths Partnership has extended its psychometric testing product to organisations in the United States.The product, which has been available to UK and European organisations, is an online assessment tool that gives account of an individual’s core strengths, how these can be put to better use, and results in feedback that ...

  • Article

    Three-quarters of employers plan to review reward strategy

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Three-quarters (64%) of reward professionals will review or change their strategy in the next 12 months, according to research by Hay Group.The research, Which way now for reward? The continuing evolution of reward in a recession, found that, among those who intend to implement changes, 43% are planning a significant ...

  • Article

    EXCLUSIVE: Ernst & Young changes physiotherapy provision

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Since Ernst and Young changed its physiotherapy provision for staff in July, it has had 161 referrals from GPs, 120 of which led to triage sessions.The perk, which is offered through private medical insurance, previously directed staff to recognised physiotherapy centres, but was not managed effectively.After a tender process, the ...

  • Article

    Willis Group introduces flexible benefits scheme

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Willis Group has rolled out an online flexible benefits scheme to its 3,600 UK employees.The scheme, which is Willis Group's own flexible benefit product and has been branded Salary Plus for its own staff, includes: pensions salary sacrifice, life assurance, critical illness, dental insurance, bikes for work, Tastecard, and wine ...

  • Article

    EXCLUSIVE: Enrich Reward introduces flexible benefits product

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Enrich Reward has introduced an online flexible benefits product targeted at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).The Encompass product gives access to employee discounts, a pension scheme, group life benefits, income protection and private medical insurance. It also has access to human resources and payroll functions. Employers can tailor it to ...

  • Article

    EXCLUSIVE: Nomura rolls out flexible benefits scheme

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    ?Nomura has introduced a flexible benefits scheme to improve employee choice and make its benefits package more accessible for its 3,500 UK staff.The scheme, administered by Vebnet, went live on 1 October. Almost half (49%) of the investment bank’s staff have submitted a choice.Marianne Nugent, benefits manager at Nomura, said: ...

  • Article

    EXCLUSIVE: Equiniti Group harmonises flexible benefits

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Equiniti Group has harmonised its flexible benefits offering and reduced benefits costs to staff, four years after the merger of its Equiniti and Xafinity businesses.Both businesses previously offered a flex plan. The election period for its new harmonised plan opens this month, with employees’ selections taking effect from January 2012.Clancy ...

  • Article

    EXCLUSIVE: Lend Lease to close DB pension to future accrual

    2011-10-31T09:00:00Z

    Lend Lease is to close its defined benefit (DB) pension scheme to future accrual in February 2012, when it will switch all 600 members to its trust-based defined contribution (DC) pension scheme.The property and infrastructure firm’s career average revalued earnings (Care) scheme closed to new members in November 2006 and ...

  • Analysis

    What to do when share schemes mature

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this ...The information employers should communicate to staff at a share scheme’s maturity and the methods used will depend on the type of scheme offered.Sharesave schemes, which have fixed maturity dates, favour structured communications campaigns.Share incentive plans (Sips) suit drip-feed communications because there is ...

  • Analysis

    Pension reforms: Main players focus on reform success

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this . . . The Pensions Regulator's role is to ensure all UK employers are compliant with the Pensions Act 2008 and to enforce auto-enrolment. The Department for Work and Pensions makes policy decisions. It has overall responsibility for the shape of the 2012 ...

  • Case Studies

    Case study: Marks and Spencer staff get the message on shares

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    When Marks and Spencer (M&S) communicates the maturity of its sharesave schemes, it simplifies the message to ensure staff make the right decision. The retailer has been offering staff sharesave schemes for 30 years.Ann Govier, manager of senior remuneration and employee share schemes at M&S, says: “Some people find shares ...

  • Case Studies

    Case study: Veolia wants employees to keep shares

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    Veolia Environnement first launched its share incentive plan (VE Sip) for its 16,500 permanent UK staff in 2006, and relaunched it in September 2010.The firm does not use typical communication methods, particularly when the scheme matures, because there are not key events around a Sip. At launch, it sends out ...

  • Analysis

    Benefits in India

    2011-10-31T00:00:00Z

    If you read nothing else, read this… Flexible benefits plans are gaining popularity in India as the typical employee demographic evolves. Leased company cars are popular, with tax incentives available. Training and education have become a key benefit provided by Indian employers. End-of-service perks are generous, including provident funds, gratuity,and ...

  • Article

    British Gas pilots healthy-eating scheme

    2011-10-28T10:14:50Z

    British Gas, Derby City Hospital and Nottingham County Football Club are piloting a healthy-eating scheme to help employees stay healthy during the working day.The sessions, called Cook Well, Work Well, are provided by Let’s Get Cooking, which offers healthy cooking training, resources and support.Staff from pilot organisations tested the sessions, ...

  • Article

    Simplyhealth and Samaritans partner for fundraising day

    2011-10-28T10:12:37Z

    Healthcare provider Simplyhealth has partnered with charity Samaritans for a fundraising day, Feel Good Friday, that is open to all employers.The inaugural event will take place on 3 February 2012 with activities such as wearing slippers into work, hosting a comedy night, and taking part in feel-good challenges.A dedicated website ...

  • Article

    IDS research: FTSE 100 directors see 49% rise in earnings

    2011-10-28T09:52:18Z

    FTSE 100 directors have seen their total earnings increase by an average of 49% in the last financial year, and are now averaging £2,697,664 per year, according to research by Incomes Data Services (IDS).The IDS Directors’ pay report found the average rise for:Chief executive officers (CEOs): 43.5%Finance directors: 35%All other ...

  • Article

    ONS research: Pension scheme membership lowest since 1950s

    2011-10-28T09:48:48Z

    Active membership in workplace pension schemes fell to 8.3 million in 2010, according to research by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).The figures, from the Occupational pension schemes survey 2010, are the lowest since the 1950s.Of the active members, 5.3 million were in public sector schemes and three million were ...

  • Article

    Trade union in pensions dispute reforms its own scheme

    2011-10-27T10:17:16Z

    The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), which has joined the High Court challenge to the government's switch from the retail prices index (RPI) to the consumer prices index (CPI), has made the same change to one of its pension schemes.A briefing to PCS employees showed that one of the ...

  • Article

    Deloitte celebrates diversity month with activities for staff

    2011-10-27T10:10:07Z

    Deloitte is celebrating diversity month by offering a programme of activities and guest speakers to its staff.During the month, all nine of the firm’s diversity networks, including its women’s, Globe (gay, lesbian and bisexual), multicultural, workability and faith networks, will showcase the role they play within the firm.Over 4,000 Deloitte ...