Recruitment firm Gi Group has put measures in place to help its employees cope with the cost pressures they are under.
Cindy Gunn, group head of people at Gi Group, says: “Recruitment isn’t the most profitable sector so we have to be a bit more creative to make sure our employees feel valued and rewarded.”
One measure has been to revamp its variable pay scheme to include achievable targets, which enables staff to increase their overall earnings without having to increase base salaries.
Employees can also access up to 20% of their wages in advance of pay day free of charge, to help them cope with unexpected expenses such as car repairs or a washing machine breaking down. Free food is provided in the office, such as fruit, yoghurt and porridge, while wellbeing boxes in the toilets offer deodorants and toothpaste.
Staff can also receive financial coaching from Octopus Money, which is free for lower-paid employees. “[This] can help people identify where they should be focusing their financial attention,” says Gunn.
Parents can choose flexible start and finish times, to help reduce the need for childcare, too.
Alongside this, the organisation provides mental health support to staff. Its group head of learning is qualified to teach mental health first-aiders and is currently doing so with the firm’s line managers. “It means they can spot issues but also know how to handle [these] appropriately and sensitively,” says Gunn.
It has also produced a Gi in Mind programme, which gives staff access to a range of mental health support including blogs, tools and helplines; and Let’s Talk sessions, where employees come together to discuss wider topics and share any concerns.
