All articles by Sam Barrett – Page 11
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ArticleBuyer's guide to group income protection 2014
The factsWhat is group income protection (GIP)?GIP pays a regular monthly benefit if an employee is unable to work because of long-term illness or injury. Benefits are payable until the employee returns to work or, if earlier, state pension age. Fixed-benefit term policies are also available, typically for periods of ...
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ArticleBuyer's guide to employee assistance programmes 2014
The factsWhat are employee assistance programmes (EAP)? EAPs provide confidential information, support and counselling to staff with personal or work-related issues. Support is traditionally offered around the clock by telephone, with a comprehensive service providing face-to-face counselling where necessary. Some schemes will also provide online support.As well as helping to ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to health cash plans 2013
What are health cash plans?Health cash plans are designed to cover everyday healthcare costs such as a trip to the dentist; a new pair of glasses; or a session with a physiotherapist. Once a policyholder has received treatment covered by their plan they claim back the money from the cash ...
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Analysis
Critical illness insurance is in demand
If you read nothing else, read this:Take-up of group critical illness insurance has been increasing steadily.If the cover is below £250,000, there is no medical underwriting, reducing administration costs.Flexible arrangements may be the best way to offer critical illness cover.The take-up of most group risk benefits has stuttered during the ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to private medical insurance 2013
Private medical insurance (PMI) is a popular benefit, offering employees access to private medical treatment and helping employers to reduce sickness absence. But, with budgets squeezed, employers and insurers are looking for ways to keep the cost of cover down.This drive to cut costs can be seen in figures from ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to health screening 2013
Whether it is a simple blood pressure or cholesterol check, or a comprehensive health and fitness assessment lasting hours, health screening can help to keep a workforce fit and healthy.Health assessments, which can be provided on-site or at the provider’s premises, deliver a number of benefits to employers and staff. ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to corporate eyecare 2013
Corporate eyecare benefits are popular with employees, enabling them to look after the health of their eyes with regular examinations. For an employer, the perk helps to meet some of its health and safety obligations.Under the 1992 Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations, employers have a legal obligation to ...
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Article
Buyer's guide to group income protection 2013
THE FACTSWhat is group income protection?GIP pays a regular monthly benefit if an employee is unable to work because of long-term illness or injury. Benefits are payable until the employee returns to work or, if earlier, state pension age, or for a fixed payment period, typically two to five years. ...
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AnalysisAuto-enrolment: experiences so far
IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS…The auto-enrolment process has brought new responsibilities for employers, for example, regarding the opt-out process.Employers have found auto-enrolment a useful catalyst for re-issuing communication to employees about their pension scheme.Employers that have begun to auto-enrol staff recommend that others allow plenty of time to ...
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Analysis
Benefits help staff to fulfil new year's resolutions
IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS…Promoting benefits such as discounted gym membership can help employees achieve their resolution goals.Online health assessments can help break down resolutions into manageable aims.Wide-ranging communication strategies will help optimise employee engagement.Most people have given up on their New Year’s resolutions by mid-January. But all ...
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Case Studies
Chemistry motivation scheme creates a buzz
Lorraine Makepeace, head of amazing at Chemistry, says: “We have always had an employee motivation budget, but last year we reviewed it as we wanted to encourage staff to really live our values of being passionate, brave and human.”The company devised a reward scheme in which employees can award a ...
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AnalysisMotivation schemes on a limited budget
IF YOU READ NOTHING ELSE, READ THIS…A well-planned employee motivation programme can be cheaper and more effective than a small pay rise or bonus.A motivation programme can help to drive employee behaviour to support a revised business strategy.Publicising employee awards increases recognition among the workforce.It is not always easy to ...
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Case Studies
Chess makes move for employee health
Although this growth has been positive for the business, Anne Binnie, HR and compliance director at Chess, recognises that this changing environment, coupled with the tough economic climate, makes it even more important to provide a healthy workplace.“We believe keeping our employees fit and well is an important contributory factor ...
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AnalysisHealth strategies after a company merger
If you read nothing else, read this …Ensure communication is timely to avoid unnecessary anxiety and rumours.Keep employee assistance programme providers informed of any organisational changes and the products and procedures that are in place to provide extra support.Rebranding and relaunching a health and wellbeing strategy after a period of ...
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Case Studies
Cofunds calculates tax positions for flexible benefits
Cofunds, an independent platform for financial services, employs about 650 permanent staff at its London and Chelmsford offices.All employees are members of the company’s flexible benefits scheme and receive core benefits including private medical insurance (PMI), a 5% employer pension contribution and income protection.Flex options include childcare vouchers, a bikes-for-work ...
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Analysis
Flexible Benefits: Top 10 tax tips: Taming the taxman
If you read nothing else, read this… The tax treatment of benefits varies, so employers should ensure their flex scheme takes account of these differences. Employee communications about benefits tax should be clear, simple and targeted to enable employees to make informed decisions about benefits. Employers should review their flex ...
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Analysis
How to select a multinational pooling network
If you read nothing else, read this… Look for networks that match existing benefit coverage. Conduct a full analysis because the cost-effectiveness of a network varies between organisations and depends on factors such as the type of pool, mix of business and locations. Check that management information reporting meets requirements ...
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Analysis
Group risk: How providers give added value
If you read nothing else, read this… Group income protection (GIP) providers are increasingly offering added-value services, including employee assistance programmes (EAPs), line management training and absence management services, as part of their premium to help boost take-up. Employers can further enhance GIP product take-up by regularly raising awareness of ...
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Analysis
Group risk: Strategies for managing long-term absence
If you read nothing else, read this…Maintaining regular contact with an absent employee can improve their chances of returning to work.Employers should consider actions as for an employee on maternity leave, such as catch-up meetings and sending newsletters.Determining an appropriate level of contact with an absent employee should be a ...
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Analysis
Group risk roundtable: The effects of government reforms
If you read nothing else, read this...Government intervention in the form of welfare reforms and National Health Service cuts will force employers to take more responsibility for employee health and wellbeing.Concerns surround the proposed Independent Assessment Service (IAS), particularly with regard to its method and speed of delivery.Fit notes have ...