All articles by Louise – Page 32
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Article63% actively considering how to access pension savings through the freedoms
Almost two-thirds (63%) of respondents are actively considering how to access their defined contribution (DC) pension savings through the flexibilities that came into effect in April 2015, according to research by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA).Its Pension freedoms: no more normal report, is based on a survey of ...
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ArticleTop 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 21 and 27 January 2016: Halfords cuts bonuses by £2 million.M&S gives staff thermal underwear to combat the cold.9% have reviewed salary sacrifice against national living wage compliance.Ombudsman upholds pensions tax duty-of-care complaint against police.42% of millennial parents feel burnt out ...
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ArticleLegal and General boosts staff fitness through stair-climbing challenge
Legal and General has boosted physical activity among its workforce through a stair-climbing scheme.In October 2015, 142 employees across the organisation formed into 39 teams to take part in the World Towers stair climbing challenge, conducted in partnership with StepJockey. Over 31 days, staff climbed the equivalent height of eight ...
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OpinionStephen Barraclough: Ergonomics can help employees thrive
Progressive employers will give as much thought to factors within an office environment that enable individuals to be the best they can be as they will to acquiring the best building on the best possible terms. Why? Because even the most high-tech or contemporary environment will be sterile in terms ...
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ArticleGovernment to enforce pension member-borne commission ban from April
The government is to place a regulatory duty on pension service providers to prohibit member-borne commission charges for workplace pension schemes from April 2016.In October 2015, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) launched a consultation into the most effective means of regulation to prevent members of pension schemes that ...
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ArticleTop 10 most read stories this week
The most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 14 and 20 January 2016: The benefits of being a human cat.Harrods, Jaguar Land Rover and AstraZeneca are named UK’s top employers.EXCLUSIVE: 99% of Bibby Financial Services employees engage with flexible benefits.Bank of England proposes changes to bonus buy-out rules.High Court rules peripatetic ...
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ArticleLouise’s lowdown: Resolve to achieve a better work-life balance
As the countdown to midnight on 31 December ushered in 2016, it also brought with it an abrupt shift in focus for the lifestyle pages in glossy magazines and the advertising campaigns that herald the start of another year. Gone are the calls for festive indulgences, luxurious treats and celebration; ...
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Case StudiesKingfisher uses gaming app to engage staff with long-term saving
In November 2014, the Kingfisher Group launched an app, Bolt to the finish, to encourage its 36,000 employees to engage with retirement saving.The app is part of an integrated five-year campaign, Saving for your future, which was developed together with agency Teamspirit following the successful auto-enrolment of 14,000 Kingfisher Group ...
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AnalysisHow could gamification be used to support a financial education strategy?
Need to know:Gamification provides an additional channel through which staff can learn about financial matters.Introducing gamification into a financial education programme could help to increase employee engagement with financial wellness, particularly among younger staff.Embracing digital game elements that can be accessed on a number of devices can tap into the ...
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ArticleThe benefits of being a human cat
Something for the weekend...What kind of job role offers employee benefits that include a bowl of milk and a bowl of tuna?A human cat companion, of course.Last week, an unusual job listing appeared on Gumtree Australia for a ‘night time watcher’. Sophie, the ad poster and potential employer, requires someone ...
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ArticleTop 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 7 and 13 January 2016: EXCLUSIVE: Carlsberg UK to launch car salary sacrifice scheme.Five predictions for employee benefits in 2016.The benefits of lego building, beer smelling and train pushing.Wolseley UK introduces car salary sacrifice scheme.US court rules on back pay case ...
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ArticleBank of England proposes changes to bonus buy-out rules
The Bank of England has laid out proposals that would enable bankers’ bonuses to be revoked after they have moved employer.At present, employers can compensate a new employee for remuneration they would have received from their previous employer in a practice known as buy-outs. When a new employer buys out ...
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ArticleCost of global employer-funded health plans to increase by 9.1%
Average cost increases for global employer-funded medical plans are expected to reach 9.1% this year, according to research by Aon Hewitt.Its research, which is based on data from Aon professionals, clients and carriers within its medical plan business portfolio, also found that the average cost of employer-funded health plans in ...
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ArticleThe month in numbers: December 2015
A look at some of the key facts and figures from December 2015:8% would consider moving on from a new job if it does not provide them with a suitable work-life balance (Source: CV Library)34% believe that having pets in the workplace boosts health and happiness (Source: Purina)36% of employees ...
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ArticleThe top 10 most read stories in November-December 2015
The most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 15 November and 3 December 20151. The Autumn Statement’s impact on employee benefitsOn 25 November, Chancellor George Osborne delivered the 2015 Autumn Statement and Spending Review.2. Government to gather evidence on salary sacrificeThe government will continue to consider what action, if any, will ...
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AnalysisInfographic: What global wellness programmes do employers commonly provide?
An infographic on commonly provided global wellness programmes. (Source: Aon Hewitt 2016 Global medical trend rates, November 2015).Read more about how to address local healthcare needs across a global workforce.
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ArticleShaun Davis: How should employers support staff through the 'January blues'?
With ‘new year, new start’ ringing in our ears and the list of resolutions growing by the day – ‘I’m going to join the gym’, ‘I’m going to get fit for summer’, ‘I’m having a dry January’ or any number of the other things we commit to do – it ...
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ArticleJohn Attley: How should employers support staff through the 'January blues'?
January can be a challenging month for some. Too much food, too much wine, too much expense, or a festive period without nearest and dearest, can all take their toll on colleagues’ physical and mental health.Hygiene from an organisational perspective can help to give everyone renewed direction and focus; taking ...
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ArticleTop 10 most read stories this week
The top 10 most read stories on www.employeebenefits.co.uk between 31 December 2015 and 6 January 2016: Judge rules on motions in FedEx same-sex spouse pension case.EY awards staff $1m through global recognition programme.Towers Watson and Willis complete merger.Will there ever be a solution to the gender pay gap?24% felt motivated ...
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ArticleEXCLUSIVE: Carlsberg UK to launch car salary sacrifice scheme
EXCLUSIVE: Carlsberg UK is to launch a car salary sacrifice scheme for its 1,600 employees in spring 2016.The organisation is introducing the new scheme, provided by Car Salary Exchange, to broaden its employee benefits offering.The salary sacrifice arrangement will sit alongside Carlsberg UK’s existing company car offering. It will be ...