All articles by Louise – Page 31
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Article
p50: Car salary sacrifice schemes – the truth about the risk
It is no surprise that salary sacrifice car schemes are on the rise. As a benefit that has the opportunity to be cost-neutral for the employer and cost effective for the employee, the popularity of these schemes is ever growing.One of the common detractors, however, is the perceived risk involved ...
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Article
The month in numbers: January 2016
A look at some of the standout facts and figures relating to employee benefits in January 2016:34% of staff could not name a single occasion where they felt motivated at work in 2015 (Source: Red Letter Days for Business) bit.ly/1Odqire39% would like access to a 24/7 cancer nurse helpline (Source: ...
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Analysis
Are apps increasing the take-up of voluntary benefits?
Need to know:The convenience and functionalities apps bring provide an opportunity to boost employee engagement with voluntary benefits.Good user experience and compelling content can ensure repeated use of an app.For maximum effect, mobile offerings should be strategically integrated into employers’ benefit programmes.In 2015, smartphones surpassed laptops as the most popular ...
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Article
High Court rules in pensions transfer case
The High Court has ruled against Royal London in a pensions transfer case, overturning the Pensions Ombudsman’s earlier determination in favour of the mutual life and pensions provider.In the case of Donna-Marie Hughes vs The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society, Hughes requested to transfer her benefits from her personal pension ...
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Article
Top 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 11 and 17 February 2016: Asda, Roche and Vauxhall Motors are among the UK’s Top Employers 2016.Government announces draft regulations on gender pay reporting.Winners of the Corporate Adviser Awards 2016 announced.Scottish Power introduces retirement savings portal.Snoop Dogg inspires Burger King staff.How ...
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Analysis
Infographic: What is employers' policy for travellers in an emergency?
An infographic about employers' policies for travellers in an emergency. (Source: Forum for Expatriate Management's Policy in practice 2015: business travellers report, published in February 2015).Read more about how to support a global workforce during times of crisis.
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Opinion
Sally Hart: A crisis is not something employers can control, but they can be prepared
Being prepared for the unexpected will give an employer peace of mind, faster resolution, and highlight commitment to the safety and wellbeing of employees.Employers should consider potential risks and review all insurance policies to ensure cover is adequate, as insurers often exclude things like war and acts of terrorism. Emergency ...
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Article
The top 10 most read stories in December 2015-January 2016
The most-read stories online between 4 December 2015 and 13 January 2016:Fairline Boats fails to pay pension contributionsThe luxury boat-building organisation failed to pay employees’ pension contributions for three months prior to going into administration in December 2015. bit.ly/1RqfCJACarlsberg UK to launch car salary sacrifice schemeCarlsberg UK is to launch ...
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Article
Top 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 4 and 10 February 2016: B&Q to increase pay for 90% of shop floor staff.Lendlease launches mental health awareness training for staff.EXCLUSIVE: Atos launches car salary sacrifice scheme.Huddersfield station promotes Felix the cat.How can behavioural science engage employees with workplace savings?Rift ...
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Analysis
Infographic: Would you take action based on the results of a genetic test?
An infographic examining whether individuals would take action based on their genetic risk of hereditary disease based on the results of a genetic test. (Source: US-based Invitae's Genetic risk awareness study, published in September 2015).Read more in: Does genetic testing have a place in a healthcare and wellbeing strategy?
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Analysis
Does genetic testing have a place in a healthcare and wellbeing strategy?
Need to know:Testing programmes can range from genetic tests for increased cancer or cardiac risk to analysis of gene variants associated with fitness and nutrition response.Robust confidentiality parameters should be established alongside access to emotional and physical support.Effective education and communication can help dispel misconceptions and enable individuals to make ...
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Case Studies
Landmark turns to genetic testing to engage staff with fitness and nutrition
In September 2014, Landmark Information Group teamed up with British cyclist Jess Varnish to engage its approximately 400 employees with health and fitness through a week-long cycling challenge, collectively cycling the distance from John O’Groats to Land’s End on exercise bikes.To coincide with the initiative, Landmark offered staff the chance ...
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Case Studies
Instacart broadens its benefits offering with subsidised genetic testing
US online grocery delivery firm Instacart added genetic testing to its benefits offering in October 2015 when it signed up to the Color Genomics Breast Cancer Pledge to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month. The organisation subsidises 50% of the cost of the test, which analyses 19 genes, including BRCA1 and ...
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Opinion
Juliette Graham: The implications of the Bank of England's proposal on bonus buy-outs
The Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) last month published a controversial proposal on buy-out bonuses aimed at stopping employees at the largest banks from being able to wipe the slate clean when they move firm. The proposal requires new employers to reduce or clawback buy-out bonuses if the ex-employer decides that ...
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Article
Compliance news at a glance: January 2016
High Court rules peripatetic staff are eligible for auto-enrolmentThe High Court has ruled that peripatetic workers are eligible to be auto-enrolled into a workplace pension scheme, after Fleet Maritime Services (FMSB) challenged the Pension Regulator’s (TPR) approach and guidance on peripatetic workers. bit.ly/1OTzx1tUS court rules on back-pay case for unpaid ...
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Article
Who should win Employee Benefits Professional of the Year?
Nominate a benefits, compensation or reward professional for the coveted Employee benefits professional of the year award.The award recognises and celebrates the achievements of an individual who has made their mark on the employee benefits industry.In 2015, the accolade went to Ant Donaldson (pictured), global product expert, benefits at E.On.Runners ...
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Article
Louise’s lowdown: An issue to lose sleep over?
More than a third (39%) of US employers offer programmes to address sleep disorders, according to data collected for Mercer’s National survey of employer-sponsored health plans, published in November 2015. This compares to 32% in 2014.Much has been said about the relationship between the growing presence of personal technology and ...
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Article
Top 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 28 January and 3 February 2016: EAT reserves judgement in childcare vouchers and maternity leave case.The Group Company rewards staff with trip to Barbados.Boots UK increases base pay for hourly paid staff.Tesco to increase staff pay by up to 3%.54% believe ...
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Opinion
Dr Shainaz Firfiray: Staff motivation needs to be carefully planned to suit different generations
A major challenge that managers face in contemporary workplaces is motivating employees. However, the inducements that motivate are unique for every individual. As employers are instinctively concerned about meeting their business objectives, it is worthwhile for them to strike meaningful relationships with their employees and together identify the things that ...
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Article
Financial education in numbers
A round-up of the key facts and figures relating to financial education in the workplace. 27% of employers provide staff with access to one-to-one financial advice (Source: Employee Benefits/Close Brothers) 58% of employees would value an employer that helped with providing financial and retirement planning advice (Source: Mercer) 14% of ...