Predictions for flex at EB conference

Employers should segment their workforce and tailor communications material to increase take up of flexible benefits schemes and maintain their relevance for employees.

That was the conclusion from the session Will flexible benefits still be relevant for the UK workforce in the future?, during which Marcus Underhill, head of flexible benefits consulting at Vebnet, questioned whether flex schemes are viewed merely as a package of basic core benefits and annual choices by employees.

Martyn Phillips, director of employee benefits at Prudential, predicted employers would begin to change the way they look at flex going forward.

"In time, there will be a cost neutrality around flex for larger companies and they will see the value," he said.

This value will be measured in the effect of schemes on employees, Evan Davidge, director at EvDav Consulting, added. "Although the value may not be able to be seen in terms of money immediately, flex is a driver in improving employee engagement."