Opinion – Page 6
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Should employers be legally required to support employee health?
The role of employers in supporting employees’ health and wellbeing was brought sharply to the fore this week with the announcement of a new government occupational health taskforce and the publication of guidance around supporting menopause in the workplace.Headed up by Dame Carol Black, the government’s newly appointed occupational health ...
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OpinionRashree Chhatrisha: Helping staff to achieve better retirement outcomes
The government’s ambition is to drive better outcomes for members of defined contribution (DC) pension schemes to help ensure all savers achieve the best possible retirement.This is a really positive direction for DC pensions as the management of schemes evolves to consider what members will receive in retirement; whether this ...
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OpinionTim Pike: Could we see a return to defined benefit pensions?
The UK’s private sector defined benefit (DB) pension landscape is generally described as in its endgame. There has been a fall in the number of open DB pension schemes as a result of economic, social and regulatory changes.The vast majority of employers offer a defined contribution (DC) pension to eligible ...
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OpinionLee McIntyre-Hamilton: Changes to national insurance and the impact on employment
The new year has already brought some welcome news for employees, with the cut in employee national insurance contributions (NICs) from 12% to 10%. As of 6 January 2024, the cut means that all employees who currently pay NIC will benefit.The extent of the savings will depend on an employee’s ...
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OpinionKerry Hudson: Change in flexible-working arrangements for 2024
Employees will have more rights to ask for flexible-working arrangements under new legislation coming in this year.Workers with 26 weeks of employment can ask for flexibility on how, where and when they work. Where employers previously did not need to consult with workers before giving their decision, they will now ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Are employees destined for a meagre retirement?
How to encourage employees to save enough for retirement is an age-old conundrum. For those of us working in this industry, the reasons to do so are clear. However, for employees without an in-depth knowledge of the pensions system, the time until they reach retirement may mean saving for this ...
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OpinionSarah Bogues: How to become a fertility-friendly employer
Employers play a critical role in the fertility journey of their employees. When employers get it right, the loyalty they can cultivate among their staff is immense. As the Fertility Treatment (Employment Rights) Bill makes its way through Parliament, it is an opportune time for employers to reassess their approach ...
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OpinionConfessions of a benefits manager: Candid works on a new recognition platform
Does recognition fall under compensation or benefits? In my organisation, it sits in compensation, so I thought I was safe from getting involved in the new platform. I have been watching with interest as communications go out promising a new, exciting platform in a matter of weeks.I should have known ...
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OpinionHelen Burgess: How to help break mental health stigma in the workplace
Time to Talk Day (1 February 2024) is an annual awareness day that focuses on starting conversations about mental health. The workplace can be fertile ground to get conversations started around mental health to help break the stigma and support employees who may be struggling.On the legal side, an employee ...
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OpinionNabila Mallick: Employers must take menstrual health in the workplace seriously
While there is no specific protection in law, there are various provisions that indirectly protect women from discrimination or harassment relating to periods and the menstrual cycle. These include protections from disability discrimination where women have diagnosed medical conditions related to menstruation and protections against sexual harassment, such as where ...
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OpinionDawn Moore: How can reward and benefits contribute to happiness at work?
It has long been recognised that reward and benefits, as part of an overall employee experience, are a key part of happiness at work. A good reward and benefits package demonstrates that an organisation cares for its employees, particularly where it is clear that there is not a one-size-fits-all approach ...
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OpinionNeil Goodwin: How can reward and benefits contribute to happiness at work?
The old adage that a happy worker is a good worker is nothing new. However, the advantage to businesses of having a happy and engaged workforce, and the things that affect this the most, are becoming a key focus like never before (cue obligatory reference to Google’s chief happiness officer).Looking ...
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OpinionJennifer Roberts: How can reward and benefits contribute to happiness at work?
At Central Co-op, our colleagues are the difference makers. Our society is built on strong cultural values dating back to the original Co-op pioneers focusing on the difference we make within the communities we serve. Our reward and benefits offering is also built on these strong values, aiming to make ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: Will affordable childcare ever be available to all?
The lack of affordable childcare in the UK won’t be news to anyone. This month, however, it has made news headlines once again when the first stage in the government’s plans towards making this more affordable was rolled out.From 1 January, parents have been able to apply for a code ...
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OpinionEmily Whitelock: Pots-for-life plan could pose risk to employee pension engagement
While automatic-enrolment has resulted in more individuals saving for retirement, it has created a separate issue that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) describes as 'the proliferation of small pots': the creation of multiple deferred pension pots, often low in value, when employees change employer. Lack of engagement with ...
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OpinionEmma Clark: Will 2024 see a focus on women’s health in the workplace?
Employers are waking up to women’s health and our legislation is not keeping up with the workplace. In light of that, 2024 will likely see renewed focus on the need to support women's health in respect of menstruation, menopause and fertility.The younger generation seems less embarrassed about informing colleagues that ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: What will the year ahead have in store?
A belated Happy New Year to you all!At the turn of the year, many of us will have taken the opportunity to take stock and consider what we would like to achieve this year, along with what we will need to do or change in order to do so. While ...
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OpinionBen Daniel: How can employers help solve absenteeism in the office?
In the UK, tackling absenteeism in the office requires employers to understand and fulfil their legal obligations regarding the health, safety, and welfare of their employees. The law mandates that employers must do what is reasonably practicable to protect their employees' health, safety and welfare, including mental health, as well ...
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OpinionAnna Schiavetta: Supporting menopause in the workplace
There remains a considerable lack of awareness or understanding of menopause. With menopausal women constituting the fastest-growing demographic in today’s workforce, it is fundamental for employers to be aware of the ways they can support their employees who are going through the menopause. There are crucial considerations for employers and ...
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OpinionLovewell's logic: What will you carry into 2024?
As the festive period gets well underway and many of us begin winding up for the Christmas break, family, friends and celebrations are likely to be front of mind for the majority.This time of year, however, also lends itself to a period of reflection, as many look back on the ...